Rio Olympics 2016: Women’s rugby sevens on course for World Series title after bronze in Canada

ONLY a complete disaster can stop the Australian women’s sevens team claiming a slice of history and the World Series crown.

Australia against France in a rounds match in Canada.

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ONLY a complete disaster can stop the Australian women’s sevens team claiming a slice of history and the World Series crown after a last-minute try secured them third play at the Canada Sevens on Monday.

The Australians only need to finish sixth or better at next months final event of the series to secure their maiden Sevens World series trophy.

Coach Tim Walsh said the World series crown would be a major boost ahead of the Rio Olympics in August.

Australia against France in a rounds match in Canada.

“We would be a very proud team and honoured if we do win the title,’’ Walsh said.

“It would be the perfect preparation as we head to the Rio Olympics in August.”

On Monday the side fell just short of making the final but won their playoff against France 19-12 thanks to a late try after the siren.

England, playing in their first Cup Final in three years, claimed the Canada Sevens title with their 31-14 defeat of New Zealand.

Australia has earlier gone down to the English side 15-5, a loss coach Walsh was lamenting on Monday.

“I was pleased with a few players that stood up over the weekend but the England game was one I really think we should have won,’’ he said.

“We created enough opportunities.’’

England (white) vies with Ireland (green) on the first day of the HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series in Langford.

But Walsh said there were numerous positives to come out of the tournament.

“I thought Chloe Dalton was outstanding over the weekend and was a player that applied herself really well,’’ he said.

“We talked to her about the areas we think she needs to improve, and like a student, has gone away and come back even better.

“Chloe showed physicality, good speed and her kicking technique and accuracy continues to improve.

“Dom du Toit was another I felt made good strides forward but I have full confidence in the entire playing group we have.”

Tough tackling by the Aussies on day one in Canada.

Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens results for the Canada Sevens at Westhills Stadium, Langford, 17-18 April:

Australia 12-7 France, Pool A

Australia 26-7 Brazil, Pool A

Australia 21-7 Russia, Pool A

Australia 28-0 Spain, Cup Quarter-Final

Australia 5-15 England, Cup Semi-Final

Australia 19-12 France, 3rd Place Play-Off

Final placings for the Canada Sevens (Top 6): 1. England (20 World Series points), 2. New Zealand (18 points), 3. Australia (16 points), 4. France (14 points), 5. Canada (12 points), 6. Spain (10 points).

Current 2015-16 HSBC Women’s Sevens World Series standings (Top 6 — after four rounds): 1. Australia (76 World Series points), 2. New Zealand (64 points), 3. England (60 points), 4. Canada (54 points), 5. France (48 points), 6. Russia (38 points)

Originally published as Rio Olympics 2016: Women’s rugby sevens on course for World Series title after bronze in Canada