New Zealand crowned Sevens World Champions

New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.

Published by Alison Donnelly, June 29th, 2013

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New Zealand crowned Sevens World Champions

New Zealand were crowned Rugby World Cup Sevens Champions in the women’s competition after a 29-12 win over Canada in the final.

New Zealand were in imperious form again on day two of the competition, beating England comfortably 24-7 in a fine quarter final display and then coming through strongly 19-10 against USA, in a game where Portia Woodman caught the eye with a brace of tries.

In the final Woodman was under the sticks in the early exchanges with Brazier making it 12-0 early on. Canada hit back and grabbed a try themselves before Honey Hireme made it 17-5 at halftime.

A try from the excellent Ghislaine Landry, which she converted herself, got Canada right back into the match but when Woodman and Hireme scored again it was all over.

Follow the whole day below!

Bowl Quarter Finalswere first up today followed by the Cup Quarter Finals

Bowl Quarters:Netherlands v Japan: Kelly van Karskamp was in brilliant form for the Dutch as she helped them to a 19-12 win over the developing Japanese side.

In the second Bowl quarter we said goodbye to Brazil who were beaten by China. Brazil almost caused a huge upset by coming close to beating USA yesterday and they can take a lot of positivity from their weekend here.

France had no problems beating Tunisia - 40-7 - but it was fantastic to see Tunisia score their only try of the tournament through Saoussen Dellago who was delighted after the match. They are a developing team and will have seen what they need to do to raise their game

Fiji led 2-0 at half-time after tries from Esiteri Rauco Bulikiobo and Luisa Ba and the pushed on to win itCup Quarters

The first game was a huge clash between two of the tournament favourites, England and New Zealand. New Zealand scored two early tries through Portia Woodman and Sarah Goss as England couldn’t get hold of the ball at all in the early exchanges.  England did eventually score through a 50 metre effort from Heather Fisher,  but New Zealand got back into their stride and won it 24-7 to go through with ease and to end a disappointing tournament from England, who looked totally out of sorts.

Next up was Ireland v USA. Ireland, who had done well to get this far, led 5-0 at halftime but the USA's greater experience told in the second half as they scored three tries - one from the excellent Victoria Folayon who has been in superb form this weekend.As expected there was very little between Russia and Canada in the next quarter.  Russia's crowd got right behind their team and as the game crept on at 12-10 in favour of the hosts the tension was almost unbearable! Ghislaine Landry was the hero for Canada with a try saving tackle at one end and a try at the other to win it 15-12 for Canada.Australia v Spain was an incredible game if only for the dramatic finish. Australia, who lost the influential Tiani Penitani to injury early, were 10-7 up in the last play of the match only to switch off when the buzzer sounded and concede a soft try to Berta Garcia who ran 50 metres for the winning try!Bowl Semis:In the first semi between Netherlands and Fiji, Kelly van Harskamp scored early in what would prove to be a closer match than expected. China led 12-10 going into the last minute but it was van Harskamp who grabbed the winner.France, who were so close to a Cup Quarter Final yesterday, were next up against Fiji.  They trailed 5-12 at halftime as the Fijians continued to show their progress. There was no score in the second half until a late Shannon Izar try for France but Fiji won it 12-10 but to French dispair and Fiji delight!

Plate Semis

England beat Ireland 22-0 in a comfortable win with Merchant, Watmore and Richardson all on the scoresheet.  England will be bitterly disappointed to have ended up in the Plate and will be desperate to go home with something from the final.Australia beat Russia 7-5 in a tight game. Baizat Khamidova scored early but Australia hit back and a late try from skipper Sharni Williams saw them take the win and win the right to play England in the final.

Cup Semis:New Zealand showed their class in a 19-10 win over USA, who never gave up. Portia Woodman was prominent for New Zealand, will Honey Hireme also showing well. They won it 19-10 with USA scoring in the last play.Canada were too good for Spain in a fine 10-0 win where Ghislaine Landry kept up her superb form to score two tries to help Canada to the win. Making the semi finals is a great achivement for Spain who can go home with plenty to smile about.

Bowl FinalFiji beat a much more experienced Netherlands side in the final 12 -10. It ended a very poor weekend for the Dutch who also lost their core World Series status. On the other hand it was a great weekend for Fiji, who have all the skills in the world, but need to become fitter and more disciplined if they are to make their mark at a higher level.

Plate Final

Australia, with Sharni WIlliams in inspired form, won the Plate title over England in a tough battle. Williams scored at the whistle to make it 14-5 against a disappointing England side, who managed one score through Rachael Burford.

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