South American Sevens: Brazil’s women maintain their regional supremacy

With Christ the Redeemer looking over their shoulder, Brazil’s women took their eighth consecutive South American Sevens title maintaining their unquestionable regional dominance.

The fierce first day of matches was ended by the most expected one, with Brazil struggling to beat the Uruguayan side (the only national team in the region to ever beat Brazil in an official match) but managing to get to the semifinals, where Brazil’s women beat a furious Argentinian side in a 17-5 win. Even though Colombia’s women turned out to be a surprise in the tournament by reaching the finals, they were no match to the home side, who beat them in a six-try 34-5 win.

Brazilian playmaker Paula Ishibashi, once again regarded as the finest rugby player in South America, highlighted their hard work and commitment to the team even under the non-ideal conditions provided by the amateur nature of rugby in Brazil. Brazil’s women dedicate their scarce time between their formal jobs, studies and personal life to rugby, making outstanding efforts to achieve the impressive results they’ve been presenting lately.

It might be correct to say that the eighth consecutive South American Sevens title was not exactly a surprise, but that doesn’t lower the thrill of this achievement. Two of the Brazilian playmakers were new to this competition and it is somehow special to be a part of such an exciting moment. Maira Behrendt, a somewhat rookie to the national team, got the chance to score a grueling try in the last minute of the final match, leaving no doubt that Brazilian women are also coaching new talented and hardworking girls aiming to guarantee a brighter future for the national team.

The South American Sevens Tournament taking place in Rio de Janeiro presented itself as an opportunity to get a first outlook of the rugby development and exhibition program held by the Brazilian Rugby Confederation (CBRu) aimed at the 2016 Olympic Games. It was also the ideal opportunity to present the new official Brazilian rugby team symbol, the Tupi, representing a local indigenous tribe.
Changing the Brazilian women’s insignia from Amazons to Tupis, however, didn’t change what seems to be soul and spirit of the group: ruthless passion and every-day dedication, which enable great achievements such as 8 years of undefeated participations in South American Sevens Tournaments.

By Marjorie Enya