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GOLD MEDAL! Australia's women secure rugby sevens glory

Australia's Charlotte Caslick, left, is tackled by USA's Lauren Doyle. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
8th August, 2016
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Australia has secured the inaugural gold medal in women’s rugby sevens with a thrilling seven-point win against New Zealand.

The Kiwis looked good in the opening minutes, keeping the ball locked in their attacking half and securing the opening try.

As Australia worked their way into the match, the momentum began to swing in favour of the Pearls (perhaps, not rightly) firstly through a try that was lucky to be awarded to Emma Tonegato.

At full pace, Tonegato appeared to just ground the ball in the corner, however, a slow motion replay revealed she actually dropped the ball while trying to get across the line.

The Aussies were then able to capitalise on some New Zeland mistakes to respond with a try late in the first half to enter the halftime break leading 10-5.

With Kiwi Portia Woodman starting the second half in the sin bin, Australia was able to extend their lead to 12 points off the back of some strong attacking play from Charlotte Caslick and Emilee Cherry that set up Ellia Green.

It was not Woodman’s day, who produced a crucial knock-on with 5:30 left on the clock after returning to the field. An electric run from Charlotte Caslick resulted, which pushed the score out to 24-5.

New Zealand would apply some pressure late, and cross for two tries to give the scoreboard some respectability, but it would be too little too late and a fourth gold for Australia.

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Final score:
Australia 24
New Zealand 17

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