Queenslanders star as Australia’s Women claim Rugby Sevens Gold

Thu, Aug 4, 2022, 5:30 AM
Jim Tucker
by Jim Tucker
7 of Australia's 13 Rugby Sevens Gold Medallists at the Commonwealth Games are Queenslanders. Photo: Getty Images.
7 of Australia's 13 Rugby Sevens Gold Medallists at the Commonwealth Games are Queenslanders. Photo: Getty Images.

Coventry Arena, England, will forever be the stadium of dreams for the victorious Australian women’s Rugby Sevens team, following their Commonwealth Games Gold medal winning try-blitz against perennial Sevens champions Fiji.

The Queensland-stacked Aussie side had briefly stumbled in the pool matches, suffering a narrow loss against Fiji, however showed just how determined they were with a thrilling victory over New Zealand in the semi-final.

The Gold Medal match was played in front of a packed stadium and it was the Tim Walsh coached Aussies who were quick to turn the tables on their Pasifika rivals.

Ahead 17-0 at the half time break, due largely to a first half double to Faith Nathan, the Aussies found themselves ahead 22-0 through tries to Madison Ashby and Maddison Levi to all but secure a historic Commonwealth Games Gold Medal. Fijiana fought back with two late tries to add some respectability to the scoreboard, however it was clear the Aussies were in a class of their own during the later stages of the tournament.

It was a fitting return to the top of the medal dais for the Australians who have undergone mass changes since winning Olympic Gold in Rio in 2016.

Results:
Women’s Pool B -
Australia 38 def  South Africa 0
Australia 50 def  Scotland 0
Fiji 19 def Australia 12
Semi-final -
Australia 17 def New Zealand 12
Gold Medal Match -
Australia 22 def Fiji  12

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