Australia clinch inaugural women’s sevens Olympic gold with comfortable win over New Zealand
Australia become first Olympic champions in rugby sevens after running out convincing 24-17 winners over trans-Tasman rivals
Australia became the first Olympic champions in women’s rugby sevens when they ran out convincing 24-17 winners over trans-Tasman neighbours New Zealand in the gold medal final at the Deodoro Stadium in Rio on Monday.
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The world series champions went behind early in the match but unanswered tries from Emma Tonegato, Evania Pelite, Ellia Green and Charlotte Caslick gave them a lead New Zealand were unable to overhaul.
The Australians huddled in tearful hugs under the posts at the realisation their dream, not only of having the chance to compete in the Games but of winning gold, had been realised.
“It brings tears to my eyes,” explained Green.
New Zealand, who had two tries from the outstanding Kayla McAlister and one at the death from Portia Woodman, performed a tearful haka in front of the crowd at the end of the match, their dreams of gold shattered.
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“Pretty gutted. We came out here to win a gold medal and we are bringing back a silver,” said New Zealand captain Sara Goss.