The Qantas Australian Women’s team has finished second at the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship after falling to New Zealand 5-12 in the Championship Final, with the Aussie Men’s team taking third place in a torrential and stormy Fiji today.
The young Aussie 7s Men’s side fell to New Zealand in the Championship Semi Final 0-31, but despite the score line, Australia asked questions of New Zealand’s defence. In severe weather conditions the tournament was delayed for hours after heavy rain and lightning forced the cease of play.
The Aussie Men’s Third Place Play Off match against Samoa was suspended due to player welfare meaning that Australia finished in third place on points. Both team’s will now look to finalise their preparation for the HSBC Sevens World Series which kicks off in Dubai on November 30.
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens Co-Captain, Shannon Parry said: “It’s been torrential rain here all day, but looking for a positive we dug deep there when we needed to.
“We’re on the upward trend leading into towards Dubai, it was some wet footy and we know we as Aussies don’t get to experience that too often. I’m proud of the girls’ efforts and we’re building well.
“Lauren Brown and Page McGregor (debutants) did really well and fit in nicely into the team and they showed that they are capable of playing on this world stage.”
Qantas Australian Men’s Assistant Coach, Jarred Hodges said: “The weather has thrown up a whole heap that we have had to handle throughout the day, including the thunder and the lightening. It was part of dealing with the elements. I’m really proud of the boys’ efforts.
“I thought in the first half (against New Zealand) we put them under a bit of pressure, but it was probably their experience and maturity that saw them get through over the game.
“Our guys would have learnt a lot going forward.
“We now get down to business, we’ve got the world series kicking off in Dubai and we’ll get home and pick our 12 for the start of the World Series.”
