Queensland sets up blockbuster Byron decider in Next Gen Sevens after series win over NSW

Mon, Oct 14, 2024, 3:11 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

The Next Gen Sevens competition will come down to the deciding round in Byron Bay after Queensland rallied to take out Round Two in Toowoomba.

The closeness of the series is evident as both teams head to the border city tied at 4 games all after the two rounds.

Watch every round of the Next Gen Sevens live on Rugby Xplorer

However, the Queenslanders were able to turn the tide points-difference-wise to ensure the victory, largely thanks to an opening game 31-7 win.

Sophie Duff got the hosts off to a flyer as they took a 12-5 lead into the break.

From here, they raced away with the win with three late tries, including a late try to 17-year-old Fa’agase Tupuola-Palale.

NSW responded with a 19-7 win the following game as they kept their hopes of securing the series alive before they returned to NSW.

In the end, the Queenslanders were up for the challenge and delivered a powerful 29-7 win thanks to another standout performance by the Reds' teenage sensation.

NSW's Logan Lemusu scored after only 13 seconds, only for the hosts to score twice before the break for a 12-5 lead.

This is where Tupuola-Palale showed off her talents, finishing off a nice backline move to start the second half before crossing for her second with 35 seconds to go to seal the series.

It meant Queensland entered the last game of the day with a 2-1 lead and a 34-point advantage.

However, NSW will take confidence into Sunday's final round in Byron after a tense 14-12 win in the final game thanks to tries by Mackenzie Davis and Tess Orton.

Tupuola-Palale's late first-half try and Tahlia Evans' surge gave Queensland hope to take out the win, only for Orton to scored the winner with 90 seconds to go thanks to a break that started on their goal-line.

Next Gen Sevens Round Two

Game 1 - QLD 31 - 7 NSW

Game 2 - NSW 19 - 7 QLD

Game 3 - QLD 29 - 7 NSW

Game 4 - NSW 14 - 12 QLD

Total - QLD 2 - 2 NSW (QLD wins on point difference 79-47)

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