Australia edge out New Zealand to win Dubai leg of Women's World Rugby Sevens Series
Australia co-captain Charlotte Caslick cuts through the Fiji defense for a try on day two of the Dubai Emirates Airline Rugby Sevens at The Sevens Stadium
©Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
Australia successfully overcame a hat-trick from Michaela Blyde as they edged out New Zealand 26-19 in the final to win the Dubai leg of the Women's World Rugby Sevens Series.
Putting on a performance of pace and power, Australia always had the edge over their fiercest rivals and tries from Sharni Williams, who also kicked three conversions, Faith Nathan, Maddison Levi and Demi Hayes saw them home to extend their tally to 26 points.
Blyde kept New Zealand in the hunt with her tries in the 3rd, 7th and 15th minutes but it did not prove enough as they lost the encounter by nine points.
“Our coaches say we are queens of the desert, we thrive off heat, so for us, it was just a golden win,” said player of the final, Madison Ashby.
Co-captain Hayes said: “It was always going to be a tough final, and credit to them, they are such a good opposition so for us to come out on top today, it was a good win.”
Meanwhile, Australia defeated Fiji and France in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively while New Zealand outplayed Great Britain and USA in their respective knock out games to reach the finals.
France won bronze at both Dubai events last season but they were denied this time around as the USA secured a 21-12 victory.
