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New Zealand clinched their second consecutive Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens title on Saturday with a 29-0 whitewash of France in the Championship Final, once again proving themselves one step ahead of the rest. A Michaela Blyde hat trick led the way as Les Bleus simply had no answer for the pace and power of the black jerseys.
The USA would finish in 4th place, dropping their final match 24-14 to the bitterly disappointed Australians who had been upset by France by a stoppage-time try from Anne-Cécile Ciofani in their Semi Final. A pair of tries from Ellia Green sealed the deal for Australia to claim the Bronze.
Two first half tries from Naya Tapper had stunned New Zealand in the first Semi, with the final score reading 26-21. The Women’s Eagles were defeated but can take great pride from being the only team to score points against New Zealand across four matches.
Canada’s heartbreaking loss to Australia on Day One was followed by further disappointment against Spain. After falling behind 19-0 at the half they could not recover and were forced into the 7th Place Final. To their credit they finished on a high with a 22-10 win over Russia. Both teams fell short of expectations at the tournament.
Brazil and Mexico meanwhile had complete opposite outcomes on Day Two. The Yaras held on to defeat Papua New Guinea in their first match of the day and then earned a 22-0 win over South Africa to finish in 13th place. Bianca Silva scored twice to end the weekend with five tries in four matches. Mexico on the other hand could not get over the paint and would end at the bottom of the table with no points scored.
FINAL STANDINGS (SEED)
1 – New Zealand (1)
2 – France (6)
3 – Australia (2)
4 – USA (5)
5 – Spain (10)
6 – Ireland (9)
7 – Canada (3)
8 – Russia (4)
9 – England (8)
10 – Japan (11)
11 – Fiji (7)
12 – China (12)
13 – Brazil (14)
14 – South Africa (13)
15 – Papua New Guinea (15)
16 – Mexico (16)
DAY TWO RESULTS
13th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Mexico 0 – 34 South Africa
Papua New Guinea 12 – 15 Brazil
CHALLENGE SEMI FINALS
England 38 – 0 China
Fiji 14 – 15 Japan
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
Ireland 20 – 15 Russia
Spain 26 – 14 Canada
CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS
Australia 12 – 19 France
New Zealand 26 – 21 USA
15th PLACE FINAL
Mexico 0 – 32 Papua New Guinea
13th PLACE FINAL
South Africa 0 – 22 Brazil
11th PLACE FINAL
China 0 – 38 Fiji
CHALLENGE FINAL
England 31 – 5 Japan
7th PLACE FINAL
Russia 10 – 22 Canada
5th PLACE FINAL
Ireland 7 – 12 Spain
BRONZE FINAL
USA 14 – 24 Australia
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
New Zealand 29 – 0 France
