Kiwis and Aussies advance to rugby final

New Zealand crushes Canada in a semi-final

SYDNEY, Australia — TransTasman rivals Australia and New Zealand will meet in Sunday’s women’s final of the Sydney Rugby Sevens after steering unbeaten paths through the tournament’s pool and knockout rounds.

After both teams emphatically won their pools on the first day of the tournament Friday, Olympic champions Australia beat Spain 29-0 in the quarterfinals and Russia 31-0 in the semifinals. Australia has yet to concede a point in five matches at the tournament.

New Zealand beat Ireland 36-0 in the quarters and defending champion Canada 26-0 in the semis to set up what appears to be a close match in Sunday’s final.

Russia beat the United States 19-14 and Langford-based Canada beat France 28-12 in other quarterfinals.

Defensive pressure was a key to Australia’s semifinal win today. Australia’s tough defence forced an early turnover and Emilee Cherry crossed in the left corner for Australia’s first try.

Emma Tonegato scored in the same spot shortly before halftime to give Australia a 12-0 lead at the break. Charlotte Caslick surprised Russia with a quick tap from a penalty for the first try of the second half and Cassandra Staples ran onto a grubber for a try which snuffed out any chance of a Russian comeback.

“We were definitely trying to stay composed,” Caslick said. “I think for a little bit there we got a bit looser than we usually do. But we know that if you hold onto the ball for long enough the defence starts to get a little bit tired and those gaps in the middle start to open up.”

New Zealand beat Canada by four tries to nil. Captain Portia Woodman opened the scoring with her 13th try of the tournament and Gayle Broughton added a second try that made the lead 12-0 at halftime.

Kelly Brazier and Michaela Blyde scored second half tries and Tyla Nathan-Wong kicked three of four conversions.

“There’s a lot of positives but there’s also a lot of lessons and we just try and remember those,” New Zealand’s Ruby Tui said.

“Sevens is such a beautiful game, it’s like flipping a coin sometimes.”