The third and final day of the Singapore leg of the SVNS, the world rugby sevens tour, took place. The last day offered up for grabs the men’s and women’s titles and, in the men’s field, also the last available place for the finals in Madrid at the end of the month. Here’s how it went.
In the men’s tournament the semi-finals saw Great Britain-Ireland and New Zealand-Australia face off. And all eyes are on the first match, with the British forced to win to continue dreaming of the final in Madrid (the USA, eliminated in the quarterfinals, had a 7-point lead in the standings). But the dream risks dying out Ireland prevailing 15-12 and GB forced to win the final to go to Madrid. Clear victory, however, for the New Zealand beating Australia 28-12.
Final, therefore, between Ireland and New Zealand. New Zealand immediately scored with Leroy Carter and doubled the lead in the 5th minute with Fehi Fineanganofo. Ireland shortened with Gavin Mullin and it went to half-time at 12-7 for the New Zealanders. The match remains balanced in the second half, with the All Blacks 7s extending the lead towards the end with Dylan Collier and Harry McNulty’s try is not enough, with New Zealand winning 17-14. In the final for third place Great Britain clearly prevails over Australia 26-7 and overtakes the USA at the last minute in eighth place, by just one point, and goes to the finals in Madrid. The regular season is therefore won by Argentina, ahead of Ireland and New Zealand.
In the women’s tournament, where the eight finalists had already been decided, the semi-finals saw Fiji-New Zealand and Australia-France face off, with a long race between the Black Ferns 7s and the Australians for first place in the rankings. And predictions respected, with the New Zealanders beating the Fijians 33-22While Australia prevails over the Alps 19-12.
Final, therefore, between New Zealand and Australia. New Zealanders immediately scored with Michaela Blyde, but the Australians responded with Maddison Levi and Isabella Nasser. Another try from Blyde sends Australia ahead 14-12 at the break, but in the second half Blyde scores a hat-trick and tries from Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka and Levi again for the 31-21 final for New Zealand. The regular season is therefore won by New Zealand, which precedes Australia and finishes third with France.
