Black Ferns Sevens take title
The Black Ferns women’s sevens side are in some form.
Seven days after capturing gold at the Commonwealth Games, New Zealand overcame France
24-12 in the Cup final of the Japan Sevens in Kitakyushu on Sunday.
It was New Zealand’s first Cup victory in the 2017-18 world series after a fifth placing in Dubai and second in Sydney in January.
Tries in the final two minutes from Portia Woodman and player of the final, Tyla Nathan-Wong, helped the Black Ferns overpower a plucky France, who were level at
12-12 late in the match.
New Zealand took a 12-7 lead into the break after a fine Theresa Fitzpatrick try 20 seconds before halftime.
France hit back when Gayle Broughton was in the sinbin with Montserrat Amedee barging over from close range to make it 12-12.
A piece of individual brilliance from Woodman turned the final New Zealand’s way after she got around defender Chloe Pelle and beat her for pace.
Nathan-Wong then made sure of the result with New Zealand’s fourth try in the last minute.
New Zealand’s Cup victory sees them close the gap on series leaders Australia to six points with two tournaments to play.
They went through the tournament unbeaten, also accounting for France in pool play 38-7.
Michaela Blyde got New Zealand off to the perfect start in the final when she slipped out of a tackle and raced away to score inside the opening 30 seconds.
France hit back late in the first half after sustained pressure when Camille Grassineau went over for their first try of the final.
Woodman prevented a try just moments earlier when she bundled Fanny Horta into touch.
For the second time in seven days, New Zealand broke Australian hearts in the semifinal.
After capturing gold in the Commonwealth Games with a Kelly Brazier extra-time try, New Zealand came from 12-0 down to pip Australia at the death.
Nathan-Wong’s try with one minute left lifted New Zealand to a 17-12 semifinal win.
Australia were clearly gunning for revenge and led 12-0 after three minutes through tries to Evania Pelite and Emma Tonegato.
A breakaway try from Broughton on the stroke of halftime gave New Zealand hope at
5-12 behind.
New Zealand reduced Australia’s advantage to 12-10 early in the second half after they won a turnover and Blyde scooted over.
Nathan-Wong gave New Zealand their first lead of the match with 1min 12sec left when she scooted across the tryline, leaving the Australians heartbroken.
Australia clinched bronze at the tournament after beating Spain
19-5 in the battle for third and fourth.
The next women’s sevens series tournament is in Langford, Canada, on May 12-13.