Tokyo Olympics: China women’s rugby sevens squad show potential but fall to reigning champs Australia and USA
- Two losses against tournament favourites may not help with pool points but gives them the advantage against hosts Japan
- New Zealand leave it late to maintain their unbeaten run as they attempt to dethrone 2016 Rio gold medallists Australia
China may have lost their opening two pool C matches at the women’s rugby sevens on Thursday, but they can gain much confidence from their outings having notched double-figure points against past World Series tournament winners United States and reigning Olympic champions Australia.
Euan Mackintosh’s side lost 28-14 to the US despite a fantastic start at the Tokyo Stadium. Wang Wanyu’s second-minute opener was cancelled out by captain Kris Thomas to make it 7-7 at half-time.
The Americans piled on the pressure in the second, with substitute Kristi Kirsche scoring a brace to pull ahead. Kayla Cannett crossed for the dagger late on, with China’s Chen Keyi scoring a consolation try in extra-time.
The US finished second and fifth in the World Sevens Sevens 2019 and 2020 seasons, respectively.
China similarly overachieved against 2016 Rio Olympics gold medallists Australia in their 26-10 loss, with Yang Feifei scoring in an early offensive. Australian captain Sharni Williams converted her own try before Charlotte Caslick extended the lead at half-time.