Rugby: NZ women's sevens team on top

Kelly Brazier
Kelly Brazier
The New Zealand women's seven rugby side have a great chance of winning the inaugural IRB Women's Sevens World Series title after they beat England 19-5 in the final of the China Sevens last night.

New Zealand are top of the series leaderboard after three of the four tournaments, eight points ahead of England. The Kiwis won in Dubai last year with England taking the honours in Houston in February and the final round will be played in Amsterdam on May 17-18.

Kelly Brazier scored a double in wet conditions at Guangzhou Uni Town Stadium, while Ruby Tui also touched down. Brazier was a standout over the two days, and her 44 points was the second highest of any individual in the tournament. Portia Woodman was equal top try scorer with seven.

"I am incredibly proud of the team and the work they put in over the two days," coach Sean Horan said. "They stuck to their plan and were perfectly clinical in their execution of that game plan.

"They showed a very superior set of skills and, despite the monsoon-like conditions we had for two days, they were exceptional in their ball handling.

"Our defence was excellent particularly in the final and they demonstrated a real commitment to defence while maintaining patience with the ball in hand which gave them a real edge."

Results from the China Sevens at Guangzhou Uni Town Stadium, China, yesterday:

Quarterfinal: New Zealand 35 (Portia Woodman 2, Kayla McAlister 2, Kelly Brazier tries; Brazier 3 cons) Ireland 5. HT: 5-5.

Semifinal: New Zealand 24 (Kalya McAlister 2, Kelly Brazier, Ruby Tui tries; Brazier 2 cons) USA 12. HT: 12-7.

Final: New Zealand 19 (Kelly Brazier 2, Ruby Tui tries; Brazier, Tyla Nathan-Wong cons) England 5. HT: 12-5.

 

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