Amsterdam 7s: Day 2

Quarter-finals

Australia were in total control in the first game against Brazil, winning very comfortably 33-0 and playing at a different level.

USA worried Canada a little more, including the first score, but Canada were not phased and soon tries from Alarie and Kish put them ahead, at times content for the USA to have possession, just waiting for an error. 21-7 at halftime was a lead that would prove to be enough, despite a USa com-back, the match ending 28-19.

France v England was next – and what a battle. Near stalemate as the French battered on the English defence. 0-0 at half time, France came inches from a decisive score when Ladagnous just failed to take an evilly-bouncing ball with the line at her mercy. In the end it took a great run from Amy Wilson-Hardy to break the deadlock, a perfectly-timed handoff of sweeper Pauline Biscarrat putting her under the posts. When the buzzer came shortly after England quickly put the ball into touch.

The final game saw New Zealand dominate the patched-up Russian team. 19-0 at halftime became 36-0 at the end, with New Zealand looking like a team that had at least another gear (or two) if needed.

Bowl semi-finals

South Africa turned over Spain – who have had a disappointing weekend. The game had begun well for them with an early try from Patricia Garcia, and then even went in 12-5 ahead when Garcia scored a second.

However South Africa dominated the second period with hat-trick of tries from Zenay Jordaan taking them into the Bowl final 26-12.

A huge cheer greeted the next game, with Netherlands taking on Ireland in front of a good crowd enjoying the sunshine. After their relative performances on Day One Ireland will have perhaps started as favourites, but the Dutch seized the initiative in the first period going in 14-0 up, keeping the Irish in their own half with some solid defence while van Harskamp showed her speed to score the two tries. A great dummy by van Rossum extended the lead, before captain Linda Fransen added a slightly fortunate fourth, with several pieces of juggling involved before the line. And the crowd celebrated a 24-0 win and looked forward to a final with Sout Africa.

Plate semi-finals

USA made it through to the Plate Final with a comprehensive win over Brazil, 34-0. Its been a great weekend for the young American tea, while for Brazil – they seemed more than happy to just make the final eight.

Russia swept into a first half lead through Kazakova and Kudinova, who repeated their scores in the second half, giving them a 24-0 win. France were a shadow of the team that ran England so close whereas Russia bounced back from their heavy defeat to New Zealand.

Cup semi-finals

Canada and Australia played a terrific game. For much of the first half, Canada’s defence withstood wave after wave of Australian attacks with excellent tackling – it eventually took two penalties for Australia to break them down - a great quick penalty from Emilee Cherry in the first half, and then a try in the second from Caslick also after a penalty move. Emilee Cherry then finished things off, breaking out from defence to score a third Australian try.

This was followed by a classic. England were “up” for this and took an early head with two tries from Abi Chamberlain – but crucially both kicks were missed. New Zealand came back through two Carla Hohepa tries goving New Zealand a 12-10 lead at halftime.

The second half saw more huge tackles. Brennan broke through and was just pulled down short, then McKenna seemed through – but was called back for a forward pass. Shelly Tane broke the deadlock for New Zealand in the sixth minute. With the try converted, England needed two scores in the final minute, and risked all – only for Kelly Brazier to take advantage of a loose ball. Final score, New Zealand 26 England 10. And New Zealand had reached the final – and retained the WSWS

Classification games

Ireland took 11th with an impressive 7-5 win over what has been an inconsistent Spainish team - but still a significant scalp for the Irish.

Netherlands then took the Bowl for the second year with 22-7 win over South Africa. Again they played rather better on Day 2 than Day 1. Chris Lane spoke about the need to change the teams mindset. "They have the skills", he said, "but need to change their way of thinking". Both they and South Africa acknowldge that above all they need more games at this level - qualification for the WSWS next year will be crucial. South Africa are already at September's qualifier - Netherlands need a good performance in the Europeans (probably top five) to join them.

France took 7th - and 8th place overall in the WSWS - with a 14-5 win over Brazil, who did not really get going until the second half. Brazil finish 9th overall.

After a close first half, three USA tries in the second half was enough for their Plate win against Russia - USA's best finish since their own tournament in Atlanta. Overall they finish 7th, and Russia 5th.

Canada won the Plate, holding England in their own half for much of the game. England defended well, but conceded two tries - boht to Bianca Farella - and only in the last minute did they break out. It was now Canada's turn to defend - which they did, winning the game 10-0.

Final

Australia started brightly, scoring the opening try and holding New Zealand in their half for six minutes. But it could not last, and three tries followed in the final three minutes of the half. Black Fern restarts in particular were devastaingly accurate, allowing them to retain the ball - and score repeatedly. Australia had their moments in second half, but there was no stopping New Zealand sweeping to a 29-12 win.

Final WSWS Rankings 2013/14

1. New Zealand 962. Australia 923. Canada 804. England 605. Russia 566. Spain 427. United States 388. France 239. Brazil 2010. Fiji 1811. Japan 1411. Netherlands 1413. Ireland 1314. China 615. South Africa 316. Argentina 116. Tunisia 1