The Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens team has gone down in the Cup Final of the first ever Cape Town Sevens on the Women’s circuit, 17-7 overnight to New Zealand.
New Zealand fought hard for their first try through Kelly Brazier, but Australia struck back through Ellia Green in what was a fiercely contested opening half.
Two tries in the second half to New Zealand ensured the closely fought victory, with Ruby Tui crossing the line twice to move the score to a ten-point gap.
The result moved Australia into second position on the HSBC Sevens World Series ladder on 50 points, trailing New Zealand on 56. The USA (48) and Canada (44) round out the top four.
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens Head Coach, John Manenti said: “I’m really proud of the effort of this group in Cape Town and we played some good Rugby to reach the Final.
“Across the three days our defence really stood up when it was needed, and it allowed us to apply pressure in other parts of our game.
“New Zealand played well in the Final and deserved their victory today.
“This group knows that they are improving with every tournament and that’s exciting as we head into the Hamilton and Sydney legs of the Series.”
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens results, Cape Town
Australia 32 defeated England 0
Australia 29 defeated Ireland 0
Australia 19 defeated USA 14
QF: Australia 38 defeated Fiji 7
SF: Australia 24 defeated France 19
CF: Australia 7 was defeated by New Zealand 17
Round Notes:
Jakiya Whitfeld made her debut for Australia becoming the 59th player to play in the Aussie Women’s Sevens jersey.
- Australia moves into second place on the HSBC Sevens World Series ladder after three rounds.
- This was Cape Town’s debut on the HSBC Women’s Sevens World Series circuit.
- Sharni Williams and Ellia Green made the Cape Town Sevens Dream Team.
- Sharni Williams is the second highest point scorer for this season with 103 points trailing American captain, Alev Kelter on 121.
- Australia has scored 76 tries and 50 conversion for 480 points this Series.
The Qantas Australian Men’s Sevens team has finished the Cape Town Sevens in 12th position after a poor Pool showing leaving the Aussies to contest the bottom half of the draw.
