Sevens women sweep into semis

New Zealand have stormed into the rugby sevens semi-finals by smashing China 55-8 in their quarter-final.

The hapless Chinese were simply over-run as New Zealand scored nine tries. The two sides had met the previous day in pool play and New Zealand won that game 43-7, but the quarter-final was even more lopsided.

For New Zealand, Sarah Hirini, Michaela Blyde, Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Mahina Paul each scored two tries and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe added another. Risi Pouri-Lane kicked 2 conversions and Tyla King 3.

New Zealand led 24-5 at halftime and simply got better the longer the match went.

In their semi-final, New Zealand now take on the United States, who beat Great Britain 17-7 in another quarter-final.

Team captain Hirini said she was proud of how New Zealand had played and that they had made the semi-finals. “It will be tough tomorrow. They’re all very good teams.”

She said the atmosphere had been amazing. “A packed stadium for women’s sport. The French really know how to enjoy themselves on a big occasion.”

In their final pool match earlier in the day, New Zealand completed their third big win in pool play.

They ran in six tries and demolished Fiji 38-7, after leading 38-0 into the final minute.

For New Zealand, Stacey Waaka (2), Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Blyde and Felix-Hotham scored tries and Pouri-Lane kicked four conversions from four attempts. New Zealand led 21-0 at halftime.

Fiji, who were brilliant at the Tokyo Olympics, suffered losses to China and Canada, besides New Zealand, in pool play.

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