Australia win memorable Dubai 7s

The first sensation of many: Russia 33, New Zealand 7 (Photo: Masha Anderson)

That really is no exaggeration. Before the first hour was up on Day One, the formbook was already a tattered mess on the floor. Russia had opened the day by blowing champions New Zealand away by 33-7 – a scoreline that made many following or logging in online wonder if there was some sort of technical glitch with the website. Then lightning struck twice as series runners-up Canada went down 24-10 to Fiji, before newcomers Ireland saw off the United States 12-5.

We always knew that this series had the makings of being the best yet – but we never expected this!

After this jaw-dropping opening, results settled down a little, but were nonetheless exciting. Spain pushed England all the way in their pool game, only going down 14-7, France won a breath-taking encounter with Russia 21-17, Fiji played like only Fiji can beating USA and the Ireland to top their pool. And then Japan so nearly upset Spain, giving Ireland hope of making the quarters until the last minute. Whoever watched Day One got their money’s worth, and more.

The outcome nonetheless was more or less the teams expected in the quarter-finals, though not int the order expected. With the World Rugby’s new random draw system for the quarter-finals in operation (so teams in the final pool games no longer know who certain results they pair them up with) the results was some fascinating pairings to start the second day.

And the surprises continued as the top two from 2014/15, New Zealand and Canada, were both dumped into the Plate by Australia and England, while France saw off Fiji from the final play.

Along came the semi-finals, and the excitement continued as Russia clinching their second-ever final over England with a last minute try, though Australia had an easier win against France.

The play-offs continued the theme. Ireland went two tries behind to the USA in the battle for 11thplace, but always looked like they might pull it back before going down 31-24. It was a tough start to the series for the Irish, and for the USA’s new coach.

Japan then won the bowl against Brazil before an amazing Plate Final, with New Zealand beating Canada after extra time, and then a third place game won by England who also had to go to extra time to beat France

Then came the final, with Russia pulling back an early Australian lead but, despite losing their inspirational captain Sharni Williams to injury on day two, the girls in gold came back to remain unbeaten all through the tournament.

Speaking after the final whistle, winning Australian captain Shannon Parry said: "That was an epic final and to play in front of such a crowd in Dubai was absolutely sensational. We've put a lot of hard work into pre-season and I was really proud of our performance. I'm looking forward to the next round (in Brazil) and then onwards towards Rio."

World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper said: "Congratulations to Australia who beat a very skilful Russian side here in Dubai this evening. Across the tournament the standard was raised yet again in the women's sevens game. Inclusion in the Olympic Games inclusion has been massive, and the standards are incredible. To see a packed house here at the Sevens Stadium enjoy this final was just rewards for all the hard work teams have put in. We're in for great season ahead," he added.

Elsewhere the Women’s Invitational tournament featured several strong international formations, with the trophy eventually going to a Great Britain select who overcame a strong French Development team 31-5 in the final, while South Africa showed the strength they had shown in Dublin with a great third-place win over Canada’s Maple Leafs.

IRB Women's Sevens World Series

Group A

Nation

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

Russia

3

0

0

95

24

New Zealand

2

0

1

64

50

France

1

0

2

54

47

Brazil

0

0

3

10

102

Group B

Nation

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

Fiji

3

0

0

75

39

Canada

2

0

1

62

31

Ireland

1

0

2

29

49

United States

0

0

3

24

71

Plate Semi Finals (5th-8th)

7th/8th Match

Plate final: 5th/6th Match

Group C

Nation

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

Australia

3

0

0

93

14

England

2

0

1

56

31

Spain

1

0

2

40

52

Japan

0

0

3

12

104

Bowl Semi Finals (9th-12th)

11th/12th Match

Bowl final:9th/10th Match

Quarter-finals (1st-8th)

Cup Semi Finals (1st-4th)

3rd/4th place

Cup Final: 1st/2nd place

International Invitational

Group A

Nation

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

Maple Leafs

3

0

0

108

7

South Africa

2

0

1

75

19

Belgium

1

0

2

27

93

Tabusoro Angels Inter

0

0

3

12

103

Group B

Nation

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

France Development

3

0

0

137

7

Wales

2

0

1

67

48

West Coast Vikings

0

1

2

10

77

Tuks

0

1

2

20

102

Bowl semi-finals (9th-12th)

Bowl final: 9th/10th Match

Group C

Nation

Won

Drawn

Lost

For

Against

GB Select

3

0

0

109

17

Tokyo Phoenix

2

0

1

46

83

Colombia

1

0

2

37

53

Kenya

0

0

3

36

75

Cup Quarter Finals (1st-8th)

Plate Semi Finals (1st-4th)

7th/8th place

Plate Final: 5th/6th place

Cup Semi Finals (1st-4th)

3rd/4th place

Cup Final: 1st/2nd place