The New Zealand women’s rugby sevens team won a famous gold medal in the Stade de France today.
In beating Canada 19-12 in a tough final, the New Zealanders provided their country with its first gold medal (and indeed first medal) of the Paris Olympics and continued their magnificent record at Olympic Games.
New Zealand won the sevens silver medal when the sport was introduced in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago and went one better in Tokyo when they took the gold. Now they’ve won gold again.
The match signals the end of several international careers in the New Zealand team and it was a memorable way for these greats of the game to finish.
Canada, who have been improving markedly on the sevens circuit this year, reached the final by upsetting Australia in the semi-finals.
They were not daunted against New Zealand, either, coming from 7-0 down (a try by Risi Pouri-Lane, which she then converted) to lead 12-7 at half-time - Canada took advantage of the yellow carding of Portia Woodman-Wickliffe for a marginal high tackle to score right on the break.
There was just the sniff of a shock in the offing, but that thought was snuffed out only moments into the second half when Michaela Blyde stepped past some Canadian defenders then bolted to the tryline. New Zealand were ahead 14-12.
That became 19-12 when Stacey Waaka took possession after a Sarah Hirini breakaway, sprinted over in the right-hand corner and flashed the widest smile in world rugby.
Canada pressed hard but New Zealand, full of vigour and urgency, were equal to the challenge and the gold medal was theirs.
Waaka said afterwards it was an emotional moment. “It was hard out there, but we got there. I couldn’t be happier. I’m so proud of the team.”
In their semi-final earlier in the day, the New Zealanders withstood a spirited challenge from the United States, including conceding an early try, to eventually win well 24-12. They led 7-5 at halftime.
Waaka showed real pace to score two tries and nearly had another, but touched the sideline just before she dotted down.
Blyde used her speed and strength to score two more tries. Though the Americans scored a consolation try at the end of the game, New Zealand were comfortable winners.
The United States beat Australia to claim the bronze medal.