Aussie women settle for Perth Sevens silver with New Zealand too strong
Australia's women's Rugby Sevens team loses a final to New Zealand, while the men's team secures bronze against them.
The Australian women's Rugby Sevens team faced a challenging match against their fierce rivals, New Zealand, in the final of the Perth Sevens. Despite a promising start with a try from Heidi Dennis, Australia struggled with unforced errors and defensive lapses, leading to a disappointing 29-7 loss. This defeat marks yet another setback for the Australian women's team, who have now lost three finals to New Zealand this season, including a heavy defeat the previous week in Singapore.
In contrast to the women's team, the Australian men's Rugby Sevens team showcased their resilience by bouncing back in the bronze medal match. After a fierce contest, they narrowly defeated New Zealand 12-10 in a thrilling match that showcased their tenacity and skill. This victory not only secured them the bronze medal but also served as a moral boost, especially following the women’s team's earlier disappointment against the same opponents.
The results at the Perth Sevens highlight the intense rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in Rugby Sevens, underlining the competitive spirit driving both nations’ teams. While the women’s team will need to address their shortcomings and improve for future tournaments, the men’s team can take confidence from their hard-fought bronze win, setting a contrasting tone amidst the two teams’ performances.