The Waratahs are where the Blues were a decade ago. Why RA can't make the same mistake NZR did back then
The brief was to examine why an Australian franchise either can or can’t win this season’s Super Rugby Pacific title. That’ll come as a…
The Australian women’s sevens rugby team have won the world series opening round in Dubai, beating Russia 31-12 in the Cup final.
The Aussies beat New Zealand 15-12 in the quarter-finals and France 26-0 in the semis on Friday local time before going on to crush Russia in the grand final.
Head coach Tim Walsh said the entire women’s program deserved the win after training particularly hard over the past three months.
“It was our day today but it was by no means a fluke,” he said.
“We showed composure and an ability to solve problems on our feet.”
Walsh said the win over reigning world series champions New Zealand set the tournament up for Australia.
“It’s always unbelievable to beat them.
“I say that out of respect as, in my eyes, New Zealand is the pinnacle of Rugby Union.”
In the grand final surprise packets Russia, who defeated the Kiwis 33-7 in pool play, were organised early on.
But New Zealand-born Amy Turner eventually made the pressure tell when she scored on the right, before a brilliant offload from Ellia Green released Nicole Beck to cross over.
Russia with two quick tries threatened a boilover but their joy was short-lived as Ellia Green sprinted 50 metres on the left to score.
Further tries to Emilee Cherry and Evania Pelite put the exclamation mark on a convincing display.
Australia were forced to play the Cup final with only 10 players available with forwards Sharni Williams (knee) and Chloe Dalton (arm) ruled out.
Both will undergo further assessment next week when back in Sydney.
England claimed third spot in Dubai after beating France 10-5 in sudden death extra-time.
The second leg of the world series will be held in Brazil in mid-February.
Watch more sports videos at The Roar TV.
Download the app NOW to make sure you never miss a must-see sporting moment.
The Roar TV – it’s your sports video.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
The brief was to examine why an Australian franchise either can or can’t win this season’s Super Rugby Pacific title. That’ll come as a…
Kurtley Beale says he would love to play for the Wallabies again, and knows his golden ticket could be earned by guiding the Western…
The Brumbies kept themselves firmly in the hunt for a top-two finish by scraping past the Crusaders on Saturday afternoon. Had they lost, they…
NSW Rugby has confirmed Darren Coleman will leave the Waratahs head coaching role at the end of the season. The Tahs have already begun…
The Wallaroos' loss to the United States was disappointing and, it means the Wallaroos will unlikely qualify for World Rugby’s top tier tournament WXV…