Bronze went to the USA with a last-minute comeback against Australia
Jul 30 () –
New Zealand’s women’s rugby 7s team won the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games on Tuesday, thanks to their 19-12 victory in the final against the surprising Canadian team, while the bronze went to the United States after beating Australia 14-12 in the final stages of their match.
Just like in the final of the men’s tournament, the Stade de France was the scene of another medal ceremony. This time the great temple of Saint-Denis did not vibrate as much, as the local team was not in the running, but the excitement of the title race was the main theme of the afternoon of matches.
After beating the USA 24-12 in their semi-final, the New Zealand team reached the grand final, looking to defend their gold from Tokyo 2020. For their part, Canada sprang a surprise in the other semi-final by beating the Aussie players 21-12, also competing for gold.
And in the match for the top spot, there were ups and downs in the scoreboard. New Zealand started early in the lead, with a try scored by Risi Pouri-Lane in the minute and a half, enjoying herself until she placed the oval ball on the grass; she herself scored the subsequent conversion (7-0).
Then came the Canadian reaction, thanks to a try by Chloe Daniels, who also took advantage of the conversion (7-7). Just before the break, Alysha Corrigan stole the ball and rushed towards the try (7-12), which however did not result in the conversion.
But the defending Olympic gold medallists got serious in the second half. Michaela Blyde scored a try and Tyla King turned the score around with a conversion kick (14-12). Stacey Waaka also appeared on the scene to give character to the Canadian team.
His try made it 19-12 at the Stade de France and, in the final moments, his defensive support was celebrated as if it were another try. Managing his final attack well, New Zealand secured victory and with it another Olympic gold medal in sevens.
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