4 Feb 2017

Black Ferns win bronze in Sydney

8:19 pm on 4 February 2017

The Black Ferns Sevens have won the bronze medal in Sydney after defeating Australia 19-0.

Portia Woodman heads for the try-line

Portia Woodman heads for the try-line Photo: Photosport

Michaela Blyde scored two tries and Portia Woodman one as New Zealand kept their noses in front of Australia in the series standings after two tournamnents.

The Black Ferns Sevens defeated Australia in the Dubai final in January and the two teams were expected to meet again in the Sydney final after both reached the semi-finals undefeated.

But after New Zealand were beaten 19-12 by the USA and Canada pipped Australia 12-7 in the semi-finals, the giants of the women's sevens game were left to battle for bronze.

Canada and the USA had never met in a final before on the sevens circut and it was the Olympic bronze medalists Canada who led 14-7 at half time.

The USA scored first in the second half only for Canada to extend their lead with a try at the other end.

The USA ran in the final try of the match but two missed conversions relegated them to receiving the silver medal 21-17.

It was the third time the USA had reached a final and the third time the trophy had slipped through their fingers.

But their victory in the semi-final announced them as a force to reckoned with in this year's series.

Leyla Alev Kelter of the USA takes on Kelly Brazier.

Leyla Alev Kelter of the USA takes on Kelly Brazier. Photo: Getty

In the quarter-finals, New Zealand defeated France 24-5.

The Black Ferns Sevens scored four tries to one in the convincing win.

On Friday, New Zealand crushed Papua New Guinea 34-5 in their opening pool game before edging France 14-12 and outclassing Canada 31-10.

-RNZ