Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Women’s Eagles advanced their claim for automatic Olympic qualification with a silver finish at the Hamilton Sevens. Overall World Sevens Series leaders New Zealand were the class of the tournament, while Canada and Brazil finished near the bottom of the ladder.
New Zealand wrapped up an extraordinary showing with a 33-7 win over the USA, with their final tournament count reading 213 points for and only 19 against. Though they hold just a four-point overall advantage over Australia, it’s an ominous sign as the season rolls over the midpoint next weekend.
For the Eagles the results are encouraging. They cruised past Fiji by five-tries-to-one in the Quarter Final, then edged the Australians 10-7 in the Semi Final despite yellow cards to Cheta Emba and Sam Sullivan. The likes of Emba, Naya Tapper, and Kristi Kirshe gave the Eagles an edge in physicality over their opponents throughout the tournament.
Brazil would finish above Canada for the first time this season. Thalia Costa’s hat trick was a highlight in a blowout win over invitational side Papua New Guinea. Singles from Costa and Gabriela Lima tied the game against Spain, but a last-gasp try from Bruna Elias saw the 9th place Final slip away from As Yaras.
The Canadians were shut out by Spain in their first match of the day. They took out their frustrations on Papua New Guinea, with Bianca Farella notching a hat-trick, but will need to find greater inspiration to avoid a similar finish in Sydney.
DAY TWO RESULTS
CUP QUARTER FINALS
Australia 38 – 0 Great Britain
USA 27 – 7 Fiji
France 7 – 24 Ireland
New Zealand 43 – 12 Japan
9th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Brazil 41 – 7 Papua New Guinea
Canada 0 – 7 Spain
CUP SEMI FINALS
Australia 7 – 10 USA
Ireland 0 – 32 New Zealand
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Great Britain 12 – 0 Fiji
France 12 – 19 Japan
11th PLACE FINAL
Papua New Guinea 5 – 44 Canada
9th PLACE FINAL
Brazil 12 – 17 Spain
7th PLACE FINAL
Fiji 5 – 34 France
5th PLACE FINAL
Great Britain 14 – 10 Japan
BRONZE FINAL
Australia 33 – 17 Ireland
CUP FINAL
USA 7 – 33 New Zealand
