Consolation for Aussies

AUSTRALIA lost 21-17 to New Zealand in the final of the women’s rugby sevens world series in Canada but took a giant stride towards Olympic qualification.

A much-improved Australian side matched the topranked Kiwis’ three tries in a thrilling decider in Langford yesterday but couldn’t prevent a sixth straight loss in transTasman matches.

However, they did enough to cement fourth place in the series and virtually guarantee their berth at next year’s Olympics in Tokyo. The leading four teams after the remaining tournament in Biarritz, France in June automatically qualify.

Australia are 14 points clear of fifth-ranked France so will be assured of lining up for their gold medal defence if they reach the quarter-finals.