The New Zealand women’s sevens team began their Olympics as they mean to go on.
On the opening day of their competition, the defending champions smashed China 43-5 and Canada 33-7. The Canada result was significant because Canada had just upset the powerful Fiji team 17-14.
The New Zealanders went on a try spree against China. Michaela Blyde scored a record 4 tries, with others from Stacey Waaka (2) and Sarah Hirini. Tyla King and Risi Pouri-Lane each kicked two conversions. New Zealand led 22-0 at halftime.
Canada were expected to push New Zealand harder, but New Zealand still scored 5 tries, courtesy of Jorja Miller (2), Pouri-Lane, Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. King kicked 3 conversions and Manaia Nuku 1. New Zealand led 19-7 at the break.
New Zealand coach Cory Sweeney was delighted how the first day of competition went. His team have all but sewn up a quarter-final spot with a round of pool play remaining.
“We made our plans and executed them well,” he said. “We really wanted to put a good performance out there against Canada and we did that. It was very pleasing.”