The Australian Pearls recovered from their shock loss to England in pool play, to claim their third tournament in this seasons HSBC Women’s Sevens Series. The Australians defeated the 2015 champions New Zealand (NZL) in the final 24-19.
The Atlanta Sevens (Atlanta7’s) was the first tournament in an North American leg of the Women’s Sevens Series, the only back-to-back tournaments this calendar season, to be followed up quickly by the Langford Sevens, from the 16-17 of April. The Atlanta7’s was played out in front of a small but active ly involved crowd, as this growing sport continues to make in-roads into North America’s sports mind ahead of the Rio Olympics.With three tournaments to go, all is up for grabs.
The Pearls claimed the trophywith plenty young guns involved, who stepped up after injuries to most of their senior players over the weekend even as the Kiwis rallied in the second half of the final but it wasn’t enough. Debutante nation Colombia finished the tournament win less while Fijiana completely ‘lost the plot’ in the steaming condition of Atlanta. Read all about it in the ‘Lowdown’ with Jovilisi Waqa.
Atlanta Sevens Final: THE LOWDOWN
After a shock loss to the revamped English side 21-7 in pool play, the Aussie women bounced back tremendously to claim their third title in a row, even without the courageous Sharni Williams and speedy Elia Green. They started well in the final with Charlotte Caslick scoring from the start, they followed that up quickly with a try to the ‘fleet footed’ Alicia Quirk and Emilee Cherry to run up 19-0. A huge advantage but the Kiwis got one back before halftime for a 19-7 lead to the Aussies.
A strong pep talk from Head Coach Sean Horan lifted the Kiwi girls as they only let the Aussies in once in the second half, and they scored first after some hard running from Portia Woodman to begin the chase. A powerful run from Sarah Goss gave them their final try to Selica Winiata, but it was just short for the final score of 24-19.
The New Zealand (NZL) really felt the loss of Kay;la McAlister, Huriana Manuel and Gayle Broughton as they were earlier defeated in pool play by the Uunited States (USA) and again faltering to a young Aussie side. Obviously, the potential is in their squad and replacements like Stacey Waaka can be brought in for the second tournament of the North American leg, in Langford next weekend.
The Kiwis had got to the final after defeating the English 24-19 in the semi finals, as the Aussies accounted for the Canadians 26-14.
England claim third spot
The English Roses turned up the heat at the Atlanta Sevens event, as they claimed third spot after defeating the Maple Leafs women of Canada 26-14. Their plate semi final loss to Fiji in Sao Paulo was the motivating factor as they returned in this tournament and summarily walloped both Fiji and Australia in pool play only to lose by the closest of margin to New Zealand in the semis.
The English side will be happy they scored this weekend, great work by the likes of Emily Scott, Kay Wilson, Amy Wilson-Hardy and Emily Scarratt while the Canadians grabbed tries themselves through Bianca Farell and Williams, for the final score of 26-14 that will satisfy the Roses to no end.
With the Great Britain squad places to the Olympics still up for grabs, the English ladies look set to dominate the final squad with Scarratt, Wilson-Hardy, Scott, Jo Watmore and Heather Fisher as front runners.
Host USA win Plate Final
The USA, after being humbled by the Aussies in the quarter finals 22-5, thrashed Fiji 38-0 in the plate semi final on their way to the plate final where they bumped heads with their Cold War foes Russia 19-7. This match was far from cold, and the heat was turned up and the Women’s Eagles claimed the plate title.
USA look a different side under the tutelage of new Head Coach Richie Walker, especially in defeating the Kiwis 12-5 on Day One and scored their highest points ever against Fiji [38 points] to cap off a very good outing in their home turf. Crowd favourites, it capped off a great tournament in the States where the enthusiastic crowd were more than happy with this result.
Alex Kelter, Richelle Stephens and Bui Baravilala really stood out for the Eagles ladies this weekend, supporting Megan Bonny and Jillion Potter well. They will grow from here because they have a very good coach now who has learned well from none other then the ‘Maestro’ of sevens rugby Waisale Serevi–for Last Word On Sports, the best ever to play the game.
French women now in seventh place
The French saved the best for last, as they put in a well rounded show to humble the Fijiana side 28-0 to claim seventh spot on the table and kept the Fijians point less in Day Two, a first ever.
After the loss of Lavenia Tinai earlier in the day, the Fijians not only lost a reliable attacker but defender as well, leaving Rebecca Tavo and Litia Naiqato to do all the hard work along with Captain Courageous Ana Maria Roqica. They look lost, no thrust or drive to win, and coach Chris Cracknell looked all ‘gloom and doom’ on the bench as they let in 95 unanswered points over Day Two.
After this bad experience, Fanny Horta and her girls must try their hearts out to reach that first final at the Langford Sevens in a weeks time, as they came up short again.
Ireland claim Bowl title
The ever improving Irish side, boosted by their Six Nations representatives defeated Japan 26-15. The Irish were led well by Lucy Mulhall, as they came from behind after Japan took the early lead, for Ireland to claim their first ever World Series silverware. Well done.
Sene Naopu is a revelation, her hard runs and power defence will certainly make the opposition weary of her presence. The Irish are looking good for that final Olympic repecharge play-off on their home soil later this year, to book that final games spot in Rio. The ‘lowdown’ is this Irish team have the confidence and will definitely have the crowd support to do it.
The Spanish side claimed 11th spot after cruising past the newcomers Colombia, who could not match the match-fitness of their opposition.
Player Of the Final
Charlotte Caslick (AUS) A player who has been around for a while really led the young Aussie outfit in the final especially in the second half as she held the youngsters together as the Kiwis mounted their comeback.
Player of the Tournament
Emma Tonegato (AUS) They gave her a chance and the young rookie is taking it with both hands and was full of emotion after receiving her award. Well deserved.
Women’s Sevens Series Table
- Australia – 60 points
- New Zealand – 46
- Canada – 42
- England – 40
- France – 34
- Russia – 32
- USA – 28
- Fiji – 24
- Spain – 10
- Japan – 10
- Brazil – 9
- Ireland – 6
- Colombia – 1
As we wrap up another brilliant edition of the Women’s Sevens Series, don’t forget we will do it all over again next weekend from Langford, Canada.
Can the Aussies win their fourth title or will the hosts Canada or the Kiwi Sevens Sisters spoil the party?
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Follow all the the ‘Lowdown’ from the upcoming Canada Sevens in Langford, here on Last Word on Sports.
“Main photo credit”
