Monday is the last day of the Women’s Sevens at the Rio Olympics, and – after a number of high-quality and entertaining games – only four teams are left in contention for medals.
One semi final will be contested between New Zealand and Great Britain, while the other will be played between Canada and Australia.
New Zealand had a hard time in their quarter final against a talented USA side and eventually won 5-0, while Britain, or rather England, got past Fiji with 26-7.
#GBR are into the semi-final at #Rio2016, thanks to two tries from world series regular @abbiebrown10https://t.co/Nfm82AdPqE
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) August 7, 2016
Canada scored three tries to one against France and favourites Australia had no problem with Spain, beating them 24-0.
The first semi final, Australia v Canada, at 18.30 GMT, will likely not provide an upset. Australia reigned supreme in recent months and even though Canada are a strong team, they have not beaten their Aussie counterparts this season.
Six tries at #Rio2016 ✅
Superstar on the world series ✅
It’s #AUS ace @CharlieCaslickhttps://t.co/FeWPMzimBy— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) August 7, 2016
The second semi-final clash is the one to watch. Great Britain, consisting pretty much of the well-drilled England side – unlike the men’s team, which is a team cobbled together in the past few months – has shown to be strong outfit. However, the ‘Seven Sisters’ of New Zealand are not a team to ignore either. In no form of rugby can you ever disregard the Kiwis, and they are tipped as favourites for gold.
Six tries at #Rio2016 ✅
Phenomenal try scorer on the world series ✅
Meet @portiawoodman!https://t.co/7uMzbaPuaP— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) August 7, 2016
Looking at the previous matches, you have to say that Britain had the easier pool phase, and they did not have a big struggle in their quarter final. But as has been an argument with the Super Rugby, it might be to the advantage of the New Zealand side to have had firmer opposition than Britain. And if they make it, there is a big chance we will see a trans-Tasman final in Rio.
Paul Peerdeman, Pundit Arena
Read More About: Australia, canada, canada rugby, Great Britain, new zealand, olympic rugby, rio 2016, rio olympics, women's sevens
