New Zealand thrashed France 29-0 in the women’s final to secure back-to-back Sevens World Cup titles.
France had been the surprise package in the women’s draw, but New Zealand were always the favourites going into the final and they showed why with a dominant display to win the gold.
The Blacks Ferns, who conceded just 21 points in their four games, went on to score three unanswered tries – through Michaela Blyde, Portia Woodman and Tyla Nathan-Wong – to lead 15-0 at the end of the first half.
While France failed to put together any notable attacking plays after the restart, Blyde added two more tries to complete her hat-trick and secure the win for the Black Ferns.
Australia claimed bronze after beating the USA 24-14 in the third-place playoff.
The Springbok Women ended in 14th position after losing 22-0 against Brazil in the 13th-place playoff.
Congratulations to Michaela Blyde who was awarded the AIG Women’s Player of the Final award at Rugby World Cup Sevens #RWC7s pic.twitter.com/v68OaXOj15
— Rugby World Cup Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) July 22, 2018
