Canada into Semis after Nervous Win

Canada have qualified for the medal semi-finals after a tense 15-5 quarter-final win over France. A Bianca Farella try late in the match gave the Canadians the lead and Ghislaine Landry’s run into the corner on full-time sealed their spot in the final four. Canada remained short of their best as France were combative around the tackle area, but the Maple Leafs had just enough in the energy tank to get the job done.

The USA were not so lucky against New Zealand. Despite out-playing them for much of the match, the Women’s Eagles failed to capitalise on numerous scoring opportunities including a near three-minute stretch with Tyla Nathan-Wong in the sin bin. An impressive New Zealand defense held firm and in the end Portia Woodman’s breakout try at the end of the first half was the difference in the 5-0 game.

Brazil outclassed Colombia in their 9th place semi-final match, winning 24-0 thanks to two tries from Claudia Teles and one each for Mariana Ramalho and Beatriz Muhlbauer. Ramalho was called into the side yesterday to replace the injured Júlia Sardá. Japan defeated Kenya by an identical score in the other 9th place semi and will now face Brazil in the 9th place final tomorrow.

Tournament favorites Australia were made to work by a plucky Spanish team who were unlucky to have a try disallowed. Two tries from Charlotte Caslick led the way to the 24-0 result. A similar match saw Great Britain push past Fiji 26-7, but not before conceding one of the tries of the tournament, a wonderful team score finished off by Litia Naiqato.

The semi-finals are now set with Australia taking on Canada, and New Zealand up against Great Britain. Action gets underway at 11:30am ET, 12:30pm local Brazilian time.

 

KNOCK-OUT RESULTS

9th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Brazil 24 – 0 Colombia
Kenya 0 – 24 Japan

MEDAL QUARTER FINALS
Australia 24 – 0 Spain
Canada 15 – 5 France
Great Britain 26 – 7 Fiji
New Zealand 5 – 0 USA

 

DAY THREE FIXTURES (all times local Brazil)

MON, AUG 8 – 12:30 – 11th PLACE FINAL – Colombia vs Kenya
MON, AUG 8 – 13:00 – 9th PLACE FINAL – Brazil vs Japan
MON, AUG 8 – 13:30 – 5th PLACE SEMI FINAL – Spain vs France
MON, AUG 8 – 14:00 – 5th PLACE SEMI FINAL – Fiji vs USA
MON, AUG 8 – 14:30 – MEDAL SEMI FINAL – Australia vs Canada
MON, AUG 8 – 15:00 – MEDAL SEMI FINAL – Great Britain vs New Zealand

MON, AUG 8 – 17:30 – 7th PLACE FINAL
MON, AUG 8 – 18:00 – 5th PLACE FINAL
MON, AUG 8 – 18:30 – BRONZE MEDAL FINAL
MON, AUG 8 – 19:00 – GOLD MEDAL FINAL