NZ Sevens launch world series campaign in ruthless fashion
New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens side completed a clean sweep of wins on the first day of the new HSBC Women’s World Sevens series being played in Glendale, Colorado.
New Zealand beat the United States 35-12 in their last game of the opening day yesterday and continued the dominance they showed in earlier games.
They will now meet the best-placed third team among the three pools competing.
Kelly Brazier opened the scoring when creating an opening in the middle of what had been strong American defence to run through and score.
Another midfield play, allowing captain Sarah Goss to sidestep past the defence resulted in the second try then moments later Ruby Tui seized a chance when getting the ball from the base of a ruck to see a gap, take it and score.
Shakira Baker and Brazier then combined from a penalty tap.
Baker ran hard down the right flank to score and give New Zealand a 28-0 lead by halftime.
However, a minute into the second half the home team had reward after Ilona Maher beat Michaela Blyde and ran hard to score. The US scored a second try after a New Zealand fumble.
However, Blyde made immediate amends when running through and beating attempted tackles to score.
New Zealand beat China 45-0 in their opening game. Brazier opened the scoring after three minutes, triggering a dam break with Portia Woodman scoring the first of a hat-trick in the fourth minute. Tui scored after six minutes and then Woodman went back-to-back in the eighth and ninth minutes.
Blyde and Alena Saili crossed in the last three minutes to round out the try scoring. Tyla Nathan-Wong landed three conversions and Katarina WhataSimpkins two.
Next up were England who were beaten 28-7. Blyde was across after two minutes and Woodman scored in the fourth before England replied.
New Zealand led 14-7 at the turn and put the issue beyond doubt when Theresa Fitzpatrick scored early in the second half with Woodman crossing again two minutes later.