New Zealand claimed their second IRB Women’s Sevens World Series title of the season, defeating Houston champions England 19-5 in the Cup final. They have extended their lead at the top of the WSWS standings to eight points over England with just one event remaining – the Amsterdam Sevens – in May.
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Kat Merchant had opened the scoring for England in the Cup final, but New Zealand struck back immediately through Ruby Tui before Kelly Brazier added another to make it 12-5 to New Zealand at half time.
England tried to break down a well-organised New Zealand defence without success at the start of the second half and, as they tired, New Zealand took control. With the England defence stretched, Brazier sprinted through a gap to score her second try of the final.
Canada clinched third place at the China Sevens by defeating USA 17-5. Ireland, playing in their first WSWS event, edged Netherlands 14-10 to claim the Plate. Australia scraped past a resilient Brazil 7-5 to secure seventh place. Japan won the Bowl, beating China 14-10.
The last event of the inaugural WSWS takes place in Amsterdam on 17-18 May. New Zealand will win the series title if they make it to the Cup semifinal in Amsterdam.
IRB Women’s Sevens World Series
Round 1 – UAE: Dubai, 30 November-1 December 2012 – 7he Sevens (winners: New Zealand)
Round 2 – USA: Houston, Texas, 1-2 February 2013 – BBVA Compass Stadium (winners: England)
Round 3 – China: Guangzhou, 30-31 March 2013 – Guangzhou University Town Stadium (winners: New Zealand)
Round 4 – Netherlands: Amsterdam, 17-18 May 2013 – NRCA Stadium
