North American rugby has received a major boost after both Canada and the USA reached the podium in the Women’s Sevens at the Paris Olympics. The Maple Leafs produced another stunning upset in the Semi Final to eventually capture a best-ever Silver Medal, while the Eagles then beat the Wallaroos in the Bronze Final to celebrate the USA’s first ever Olympic 7s medal.
It was a close first half for the Eagles as Alev Kelter put them up early against New Zealand, but the Black Ferns poured it on in the second half with three tries pull away. A consolation effort from Kristi Kirshe made the final score 24-12 to New Zealand.
Canada were up next against the heavily-favored Australians, and just a minute in it looked as though it might be a tough outing as try-scoring sensation Maddison Levi scored with her first touch of the ball. Sariah Paki touched down two minutes later to make it 12-nil, but a breakaway try from Charity Williams gave the Maple Leafs some hope just before halftime.
Asia Hogan-Rochester’s finish two minutes into the second half leveled the scores and the conversion from Olivia Apps put Canada ahead. Defensive pressure led to a knock-on from the Australians deep in their own end and Piper Logan took full advantage, just managing to ground the ball in a tackle. Apps added the extras to put the game out of reach for the Wallaroos.
Levi punched through for the opening score in the Bronze Final but a yellow card to her sister Teagan Levi eventually led to a converted try from Alev Kelter to make it all square at the break. It was Maddison Levi grabbing a double with just over a minute to go that looked to have won it for the Australians but a missed conversion left the door slightly ajar.
With time up on the clock and the Eagles forced to run from the shadow of their own posts, Alex ‘Spiff’ Sedrick busted through a tackle and sped the length of the pitch to score a sensational try. None of the USA’s regular kickers were on the pitch so Sedrick took the decisive conversion herself, with the successful kick drawing a roar from the appreciative Stade de France crowd.
The final game again saw the Canadians as heavy underdogs at kickoff. New Zealand started fast with Risi Pouri-Lane crossing some 90 seconds in, converting her own to make it 7-nil. Portia Woodman’s yellow card for a head-high challenge on Williams cost the Black Ferns seven points as Chloe Daniels equaled Pouri-Lane’s effort a minute before halftime.
New Zealand were shaken when Alysha Corrigan powered over to give the Maple Leafs a surprising 12-7 halftime lead. It wasn’t to be on this occasion, however, as Michaela Blyde’s try seconds into the second half put the Black Ferns back in front. Stacey Waaka stretched the lead and though there was still time on the clock, New Zealand held on to claim their second straight Olympic title.
Brazil’s tournament ended with heavy defeat to Japan in the 9th place Final. As Yaras conceded 38 unanswered points before Yasmim Soares spoiled the shutout in stoppage time. Hosts France recovered from their Quarter Final disappointment to claim 5th place with China upsetting Great Britain to earn 6th despite not taking part on this year’s sevens circuit.
DAY THREE RESULTS
5th PLACE SEMI FINALS
China 19 – 15 Great Britain
France 19 – 7 Ireland
GOLD SEMI FINALS
New Zealand 24 – 12 USA
Canada 21 – 12 Australia
11th PLACE FINAL
South Africa 21 – 15 Fiji
9th PLACE FINAL
Japan 38 – 7 Brazil
7th PLACE FINAL
Great Britain 28 – 12 Ireland
5th PLACE FINAL
China 7 – 21 France
BRONZE FINAL
USA 14 – 12 Australia
GOLD FINAL
New Zealand 19 – 12 Canada
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