New Zealand clinch Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco

New Zealand celebrates the Rugby World Cup Sevens Championship win over France on day two of the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 at AT&T Park in San Francisco

©KLC Fotos for World Rugby

New Zealand have defended their Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens title in San Francisco after they blanked their France counterparts 29-0 in the final.

Semi-finals:

New Zealand 26-21 USA

The win though did not come without a struggle in the semi-final where the Black Ferns were pushed hard by USA with the hosts showing a lot of resilience with a double from Naya Tapper and a 15th minute try from Lauren Doyle and Nicole Heavirland converted all the three tries to take them to 21 points but it went in vain as New Zealand managed a five-point victory with touchdowns from Michaela Blyde (2'), Ruby Tui (7'), Gayle Broughton (9') and Portia Woodman (13').

Australia 12-19 France

The other semi-final was closely competed as well with France edging out Australia with a 12-19 victory. Even though Australia started the game well with tries from Evania Pelite and Ellia Green in the 3rd and 8th minute respectively and had a 12-0 lead at half time, they could not build on to their advantage with France forcing their way back in the second half with touchdowns from Chloe Pelle (9'), Fanny Horta (16') and Audrey Ciofani (19') to complete the seven point victory.

Final: New Zealand 29-0 France:

This is the third time New Zealand are into the finals of the tournament in as many editions and they have already clinched the title once in 2013 when they defeated Canada 29-12. With an ample of big-game experience, the Black Ferns showed no nerve and Michaela Blyde (2', 4' and 16') led the way with further tries from Portia Woodman (6') and Tyla Nathan-Wong (8') to help them complete a 29-0 victory and also their second title.

Meanwhile, England earned some consolation after a disappointing day one as they defeated Japan 31-5 in the Challenge final.

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