Sevens heaven: Australia avenges last week’s loss to beat New Zealand in Cape Town decider
Australia’s women’s sevens team has sent an ominous warning to the rest of the world with a stunning display against their biggest rival.
Australia’s women have shot to the top of the sevens rankings after they made amends for last week’s loss to New Zealand by knocking off their fiercest rivals in the final in Cape Town.
New Zealand was far too good when the sides met in the Dubai decider, but it was all Australia in the rematch with the first four tries of the contest on their way to a commanding 26-12 victory.
The Aussies won all of their matches in South Africa, with superstar Maddison Levi scoring four tries in the semi-final win over the USA.
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She crossed for the team’s fourth try in the final to make it 26-0, with Australia and New Zealand locked on 38 competition points after the opening two rounds of the sevens series.
“It feels really good, we were hurting last week when we lost to the Kiwis but we put it out there today,” player of the final Isabella Nasser said.
“We worked on things we needed to get right for this week and it was a big squad effort.
“We soak in the crowd energy and atmosphere and it’s absolutely amazing.”
The men had to settle for seventh in Cape Town, with Australia losing all three of its pool games before they went down to New Zealand in the fifth-place playoff.
They bounced back to beat Spain 24-12 in their final game, with the series on break before it resumes in Singapore on January 31.
“We were really disappointed with day one after coming off an impressive week one in Dubai, but we’re talking about growth and building depth as a team for the first six tournaments,” Australian skipper Henry Hutchison said, with South Africa winning their home event.
“I’m really impressed with how a lot of the new boys fired back today and put it to them, showed a lot of character and what they’re made of.
“They’re really grateful and aware of the privilege and responsibility to wear the gold and perform for their families, the country and Rugby Australia.
“They’ve slotted in nicely and now it’s about a bit of blooding, put them out in the arena and hope they swim.
“It was close against the Kiwis and a win over Spain so a nice way to finish.”
Originally published as Sevens heaven: Australia avenges last week’s loss to beat New Zealand in Cape Town decider
