Host Canada loses to New Zealand in women’s rugby sevens final

LANGFORD, B.C. Tyla Nathan-Wong and Michaela Blyde scored firsthalf tries as New Zealand beat Canada 17-7 on Sunday to capture the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event in Langford.

Alena Saili added another try in the second half for New Zealand.

Nathan-Wong and Blyde gave New Zealand a 12-0 lead by the three-minute mark.

Julia Greenshields responded in the sixth minute for Canada and Ghislaine Landry had a conversion.

The Canadians reached the final by defeating reigning Olympic champion Australia 17-10 in the semifinals.

Greenshields, Landry and Charity Williams scored tries for Canada in the semi. Williams sealed the win with a spectacular field-length sprint from the Canadian end zone.

“I’m just really happy that happened,” she said following the semifinal victory and before the title match. “It feels great. We’re going to keep our momentum going.”

Canada defeated England 33-5 earlier Sunday in the quarterfinals.

Canada, which won Olympic bronze last summer in Rio, posted wins Saturday over Brazil, France and Russia.

Canadian coach John Tait says the team’s achievement in Rio was an excellent learning experience for the players.

I’m just really happy that happened. It feels great.