July 30, 2024, 5:04 PM
July 30, 2024, 5:04 PM
New Zealand retained its Olympic title in women’s rugby 7s on Tuesday in Paris 2024 by beating Canada from behind in the final by 19-12, while the United States surprisingly won the bronze medal.
The Kiwis scored three tries to the Canadians’ two in a tense match led by the defence in front of 69,000 spectators which practically filled the Stade de France in Saint Denis, on the outskirts of Paris.
The United States, which had reached the semi-finals for the first time in its history,defeated the favorite Australia in the first round by 14-12 to win the bronze medal.
In the end, New Zealand captain Risi Pouri-Lane escaped from Chloe Daniels and ran from 50 metres to score the first try, also converting the ball.
But the game changed when New Zealander Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, a star of rugby, both at sevens and 15s, for more than a decade, received a yellow card for a high tackle on Canada’s Charity Williams.
The American team took advantage of the advantageDaniels played into space with Olivia Apps and she scored her country’s first try.
Shortly after, Sarah Hirini attempted an ambitious discharge, But Canadian Alysha Corrigan intercepted her and scored Canada’s second try, turning the score around (12 to 7) with which they went into the break.
New Zealand started the second half exactly how they needed to: The impressive Michaela Blyde eluded Corrigan to score a fine try, converted by Tyla King to restore their lead (14-12).
Stacey Wakaa then scored the try decisive to stretch the difference to seven points (19-12) and seal the title for New Zealand.
