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New Zealand to defend Olympic sevens title against Canada

football30 July 2024 14:46| © AFP
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New Zealand's women will defend their Olympic sevens title against Canada after beating the United States in the semifinal at the Stade de France on Tuesday.

Michaela Blyde showed two moments of individual brilliance to help the Kiwis run out 24-12 winners over the Americans, who were making their debut in the last four.

There was a shock in the second semifinal as Canada stunned Rio 2016 gold medallists Australia and ran away with a 21-12 victory.

A tight start to the first semi was broken when Alev Kelter scythed through the Kiwi defence to open the scoring for the Americans.

In stultifying heat, New Zealand responded through Stacey Waaka, who ran in from halfway. A Risi Pouri-Lane conversion handed New Zealand a 7-5 lead.

The Kiwis extended that advantage in the simplest of fashion, Waaka getting her second after the Americans infringed trying to clear the ball deep within their own 22m area.

Blyde then showcased all her finishing skills for her eighth and ninth tries of the tournament.

First she skinned opposite number Ariana Ramsey with a smart step down the right wing, and then handed off the American for a straightforward run-in.

Kristi Kirshe grabbed a late consolation try to make it 24-12.

In the other semifinal, Maddison Levi opened the scoring for Australia.

Levi has been in imperious form in Paris and that was her 12th try, having already broken Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's record of 10 tries for a single Olympics on Monday.

Sariah Paki twisted and turned to extend Australia's lead with a second try.

But Canada were not out of it, Charity Williams taking a quick tap penalty on the stroke of halftime to outpace Levi and run in a try from 60 metres.

An Olivia Apps conversion made it 12-5 at halftime.

Australian captain Charlotte Caslick produced a fine try-saving tackle on Asia Hogan-Rochester.

But the Canadian crossed just moments later after a well-worked attacking line-out move. Apps converted to hand Canada the lead.

A Teagan Levi knock-on handed Canada territorial advantage once more and the lively Piper Logan darted over from a scrum, as she had done twice in the quarterfinal victory over France.

Apps was successful with the extras to leave the Canadian women exultant.

Australia face the US for bronze.

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