Australia has defeated France 26-12 to win the Bronze medal match for the second consecutive year at Canada's Langford Sevens.
New Zealand took a hard fought 17-7 victory over Canada to take the title, a result that all but locked up the World Series title for the Kiwis, who lead the competition by 14 points with one tournament left.
Your @canadasevens medallists! #RISEAsOne #Canada7s #RC7s #ChampionHer 🇨🇦🏉🏆🎖 pic.twitter.com/dXJBxlpnNd
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) May 29, 2017
The Bbonze medal placing was not the prize the Aussies were hoping for, but they put in a strong performance to secure it over France.
Cassie Staples was again given her opportunity in the starting seven and did not disappoint, putting Australia on the board with her fourth try of the weekend, levelling the scores after an early opening try by Fanny Horta.
The debutant quickly made that a double as the Aussies took a 12-7 lead to the break.
Shannon Izar scored a hard-worked try for France to level the scores.
Emilee Cherry and Chloe Dalton then found their stride to put Australia in the box seat as the clock wound down.
Coach Tim Walsh admitted it was a case of chances not taken in the semi-final.
“Disappointing we didn’t get there, but we had our chances against Canada. That’s the difference between winning and losing in sevens,” he said.
“For us it was good winning five out of six games but for us that’s not where we want to be – we want to be back where we were in finals and being the best in the world.”
The highlight of the weekend for the Aussies must be the debut of Staples, who did not hold back when given a job to do.
“Very impressive. The great thing about her is she wants to learn and she’ll thrive in this environment. So we’re very excited about what she can do,”Walsh said.
Walsh was also pleased with other emerging talent in the group like Demi Hayes, Georgie Friedrichs and Dom Du Toit who all had substantial input across the weekend.
Other Results
Ireland defeated England 14-10 in the playoff for seventh place in an historic first time win over their neighbours.
Russia challenged the USA in the fifth place match, reeling in a seven point half-time deficit to have the game all tied up 21-21 at full time.
A fierce battle in overtime saw Russia eventually run in the winning try taking the game 26-21.
FINALS
Cup Final
New Zealand 17 - Canada 7
Who needs Woodman, Goss or Brazier?
Michaela Blyde continued her barnstorming form in Langford to nullify any effects from the absence of the star trio from the Kiwi ranks.
She was assisted by Nathan-Wong and Williams who each led the young New Zealand line-up by example.
Massive vocal support from the fans helped Canada fight to the death but the Kiwis eventually sealed a fourth tournament title.
Challenge Trophy
Fiji 31 - Spain 7
Fiji made the best of its worst tournament performance this season winning the Trophy final against Spain in convincing style.
Congratulations to Fiji who have won the Challenge Trophy at the #Canada7s in Langford, beating @ferugby 31-7 pic.twitter.com/YGY0mCStvS
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) May 28, 2017
Series Standings
Neither Australia nor Canada is likely to chase down New Zealand for the championship title with one round to go, as it has increased its lead to 14 points.
Secondly, for Australia there is a tougher battle looming for second spot, as Canada closed the two-point gap and now sit on equal points in the standings.
Despite the improving form of many of the emerging teams, the cream always seems to rise to the top as the trinity of New Zealand, Australia and Canada finished this tournament together and will finish the series together – beyond the reach of the other teams.
The final round of the HSBC Women's World Series will take place in Clermont-Ferrand, France on June 24-25.
Here's how the #HSBC7s standings look with one round left to go in Clermont on 24/25 June
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) May 29, 2017
Can anyone stop the @BlackFerns 7s? pic.twitter.com/VXbueYKw6c
