The New Zealand women’s rugby sevens team won a gold medal at the Stade de France today.
They beat Canada 19-12 in a challenging final, marking New Zealand’s first gold and first medal of the Paris Olympics.
New Zealand has a strong history in Olympic rugby sevens, winning silver in Rio de Janeiro and gold in Tokyo. Now, they have secured another gold in Paris. This victory also marked the end of several players’ international careers, making it a memorable farewell.
Canada, who improved significantly this year, reached the final by defeating Australia in the semi-finals. In the final, they overcame an early 7-0 deficit, thanks to a try and conversion by Risi Pouri-Lane. They led 12-7 at halftime after taking advantage of a yellow card given to New Zealand’s Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
However, New Zealand regained control early in the second half when Michaela Blyde scored, putting them ahead 14-12. Stacey Waaka extended the lead to 19-12 after a breakaway by Sarah Hirini.
Despite Canada’s efforts, New Zealand’s defense held strong, securing the gold medal.
Waaka expressed her joy after the match, saying, “It was hard out there, but we got there. I couldn’t be happier. I’m so proud of the team.”
Earlier in the day, New Zealand beat the United States 24-12 in the semi-final, overcoming an early setback to win comfortably. Waaka scored two tries, and Blyde added two more. The United States later claimed the bronze medal by defeating Australia.
NEW ZEALAND
Tries: Risi Pouri-Lane, Michaela Blyde, Stacey Waaka
Conversion: Risi Pouri-Lane
CANADA
Tries: Chloe Daniels, Alysha Corrigan
Conversion: Chloe Daniels
GO BLACK FERNS!!!!! I watched a bit of the game. It was very exciting.
GO NZ
Awesome! I’ve always supported and watched them play. I even stayed up to watch it!
I was exhausted this morning, so happy we finally got a gold!
This was extremely intense i’m not much of a rugby fan but this got me moving overall great article
NZ won the medal! they beat Australia which is great. Their hard work finally paid off.
Whoo! Yes Go Black ferns!
I am really proud of the Black Ferns. They did really well!
Go NZ yeah!
slay black ferm !
slayy black fernz x
I am very happy for Nz they won the gold medal!hope they win the olmpics.
Let’s go
Come On Black Ferns
I love being a kiwi and wining!
It was an awesome game. Nail biting. So good.
Sigma game. Honestly.
Insane game. Got me thinking we would lose, but how could we!? LOL. I was biting my nails the whole time. I could not contain my excitement when our first medal was a gold medal. So happy. Finally got a medal. YASS!! So fun. Loved it.
I think this was an AWESOME game! I am so happy that the Black Ferns are back to black.
yippee we won the women’s rugby sevens finals