Brazil retain South American Sevens title

By John Birch

Published by Alison Donnelly, March 12, 2012

3 minute read

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Brazil retain South American Sevens title

The eighth South American Womens Sevens took place over the weekend, and for the eighth time Brazil took the title.

The opening day of the tournament, played at Estdio da Gvea in Rio de Janeiro, generally went to form. Brazil sailed through there group with no real problems, though Uruguay ran them close going down only 12-5 Brazil having to survive the closing minutes of the second period with only six players following a yellow card for Paula Ishibashi.

The game of the first round, however, was 2011 runner-up Argentina against Colombia. The two nations always have a terrific battle for the silver in this tournament, and this game would be no different as the loser would meet Brazil in the semi-finals. An early Argentinean try from Noel Billerbeck was cancelled out mid-way through the half by a Cindy Pelaez try for Colombia. Claudia Suescun converted to put Columba ahead, then scored a second try herself at the end of the half to give Columbia a 12-5 ahead.

Argentina pulled level from the opening play of the second period, but a second Pelaez try regained the lead for Colombia. The score remained 19-12 until, with five seconds to go, Gabriela Ptak scored for Argentina leaving Rita Cazorla with a kick to tie the game which went wide.

As a result Argentina found themselves facing Brazil in the semi-finals but shocked the crowd by opening the scoring after five minutes Billerbeck again touching down. Brazil drew level just before the break and added two more tries in the second period to win 17-5.

The second semi-final was even closer, Colombia coming back from 7-5 to Uruguay down at the break to win 10-7 despite being a player down, thanks to a yellow card for Claudia Suescun which became a red when received a second yellow at the end of the game, crucially ruling her out of the final. Uruguay went on to beat Argentina 12-7 for third place.

And so to the final, and within two minutes Brazil were ahead Julia Sarda touching down, and then adding a second two minutes later. With Maria Avila adding a third just before the break this time converted Brazil finished the first period 17-0, and in total command.

Brazils total command continued into the second period. Within less than a minute the lead was extended to 22 points and although Colombia pulled a try back Brazil cruised to victory by 34-5

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