Three unbeaten after day one in Amsterdam

from WSWS.irb.com:

The Cup quarter finals are set after an enthralling day of action at the Amsterdam Sevens, the fourth and final round of the inaugural IRB Women’s Sevens World Series.

Series leaders New Zealand won all three of their matches on day one and will face Spain in the Cup quarter finals, knowing a win will guarantee them the Series title.

They were made to work hard for their first victory, coming from behind to beat Rugby World Cup Sevens hosts Russia 17-5, before a 22-0 win over China and a hard-fought 15-0 win against the Netherlands with tries from Sarah Goss and Portia Woodman (2).

AMSTERDAM SEVENS STATISTICS >>

The USA finished with a 100% record to sit top of Pool C, beating Australia in the decider 10-5 thanks to two tries from captain Vanesha McGee, after wins against Spain and Brazil, and will play rivals Canada, who lost to France and England on day one.

England’s defence was on top in their third match of the day against Canada, with Barry Maddock’s side eventually securing the 14-0 win thanks to Claire Allan’s try in the last play of the match to end first in Pool B, having earlier beating South Africa 17-14. Their quarter final will be against France a side they beat 12-5 on day one.

France defeated Canada in the first shock of the day as Christelle Le Duff scored a penalty drop goal to claim an 8-7 victory and recorded their second win, beating South Africa 14-12.

A hat-trick from Spain’s Laura Esbri gave them a 26-0 defeat against Brazil which was enough to book their place in the quarter finals with Australia and Russia set to meet in the other quarter final.

Hosts the Netherlands will enter the Bowl semi finals and play Brazil. The Dutch started brightly with a 19-0 win over China, but then lost to Russia 24-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Baizat Khamidova and New Zealand. In the other Bowl semi final, China will meet South Africa.

View the Amsterdam 7s schedule & results here.