Awesome Aussies lift trophy
dubai — Like the three editions of the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, most had expected another trans-Tasmanian rivalry between Australia and New Zealand to be played out at The Sevens Stadium this time around too.
But that lip-smacking Antipodean tussle never came about. After the Black Ferns were found out by the USA, at the second time of asking, Australia had a walk in the park against the Americans to land the spoils for the third time in Dubai.
Tim Walsh’s side waltzed their way through the USA to win the Cup final 34-0 on Friday, to add to the titles the won in 2013 and 2015.
Dominique Du Toit had two tries and Emma Sykes made two conversions as Australia got the new season off with a bang.
Captain Sharni Williams, Emilee Cherry, Evania Pelite, who was named the Player of the Tournament, and Emma Tonegato had one try each.
The Aussies now head home to Sydney for the second stop in the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series from January 26 to 28, 2018.
Australia had got the better of Canada 25-7 in the semifinals, while the USA beat Russia 21-12. The runners-up finish was USA’s best performance in Dubai after third spot in the Plate three years ago.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed the bronze by defeating Canada 10-5. The Challenge Trophy was won by Ireland, who beat South Africa 24-7.
Walsh felt that the semifinal win over Canada had put on the road for the title triumph.
“The semifinal really put us in good stead and they really performed well there and executed exactly what we were trying to do,” Walsh said after the final.
“Against the USA, obviously with a result like that, scoring a lot of points and nailing it, we are really pleased with the whole tournament. It was an exceptional per- International teams have flown over for the event formance from the team and particularly Evania Pelite. I thought she was absolutely world class in so many aspects,” he added.
Walsh said that winning start to the season will serve them well as they head to the next stops on the calendar. “It sort of gives the girls faith in everything that we are doing. We have had such a long pre-season and a lot of hard work and to see it unfold, just sort of really instils that belief in the programme. It is always important it is great to get off to a good start and we roll on from there,” said Walsh.
He was also surprised by how New Zealand fared against the Americans.
“I was surprised. They have been in incredible form. Look, USA are a very physical team and they had some pretty tricky touches from Richie Walker (coach), and New Zealand sort of lost themselves. Teams are competing at the Dubai Rugby Sevens They had a few kinks yesterday that worked and then against the USA today, they kicked the ball away three or four times. Didn’t respect the ball, I guess and the USA took full advantage of it,” felt Walsh.
james@khaleejtimes.com Semifinals: USA beat Russia 2112; Australia beat Canada 25-7. Quarterfinals: USA beat New Zealand 14-12; Russia beat Spain 20-7; Australia beat England 2912; Canada beat France 24-19. Challenge Trophy: Final: Ireland beat South Africa 24-7. Semifinals: Ireland beat Japan 38-5; South Africa beat Fiji 17-14. Bronze final: 10-5. Russia beat Canada