AUSTRALIAN WOMEN CLAIM RECORD BREAKING WIN IN SYDNEY

Jan 28 • General News, Sevens Rugby • 1898 Views • Comments Off on AUSTRALIAN WOMEN CLAIM RECORD BREAKING WIN IN SYDNEY

The Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens side have created history after claiming the HSBC Sydney7s title thanks to a 31-nil victory over New Zealand in the Cup final.

Since the HSBC Sevens World Series began in 1999, no team – in either Men’s or Women’s – has ever won a tournament without conceding a point but Australia did it in style, as they ran in 213 points in attack in front of a boisterous local crowd.

Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens coach, Tim Walsh said: “I’m just stoked with the way that we performed. Everyone is talking about zero points, which was pretty pleasing and defence is all in the desire and attitude and they certainly showed that.

“In our plan, this is one tournament we were targeting – we’ve got the Commonwealth Games and for the team the World Cup as well. I think we’ll celebrate tonight and then be very tired when we get back to work on Wednesday.

“Being here in Sydney and seeing all the players’ friends and families like they were in Rio is pretty amazing.

“Last year, our season theme was respect and character. How do we maintain performance after coming off such a high? To turn around this year and win two from two and playing some of the best rugby we’ve ever played and clearly the best defence we’ve ever had, ranks higher because of that, because of the work and the effort they put in after such a long period of time,” Walsh said.

Australia 31 defeated New Zealand 0

Some brutal Australian defence put New Zealand on the back foot from the outset and it didn’t take long for Australia to capitalise as Shannon Parry stormed her way through to score the opening try. The game quickly turned into a slog fest as Australia kept New Zealand at bay on their own goal line before launching into attack. Australia kept their foot to the floor as the half drew to a close with Charlotte Caslick sniping down the blindside to take the score to 10-nil at half-time.

A sin bin to New Zealand after the half-time siren didn’t help their cause and Australia made the most of their numerical advantage after Emilee Cherry slid through a gap to feed Ellia Green to score under the posts. Australia weren’t done there though as Evania Pelite got her name on the scoresheet thanks to a draw and pass from Sharni Williams. Australia’s intense defence didn’t relent on New Zealand though, who continually coughed up possession with Emma Sykes dotting down for a try of her own next to the posts to wrap up the scoring.

HSBC Sydney7s day three results

Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens

Cup Final: Australia 31-0 New Zealand

The Australian Rugby Foundation total donation to grassroots rugby is now at $26,000 after the ARF pledged $500 for every Australian try scored at the Sydney7s.

As the official charity partner for the HSBC Sydney 7s Tournament, all funds raised during the three days will go directly to the Foundation’s grassroots and community initiatives. The Australian Rugby Foundation supports Rugby Australia’s vision to grow rugby, by investing in grassroots/community rugby initiatives to inspire all Australians to enjoy our great global game.