The Black Ferns sevens have scored their first Cup win of the season and their 34th in total by beating France 35-19 in the final in Vancouver today, the New Zealand men’s team losing their final to Argentina 36-12.
The New Zealand women’s victory was built on a dominant first half, the Black Ferns taking a 28-7 lead into halftime thanks to an early try for Portia Woodman-Wickliffe – the first of a hat-trick – brilliantly converted by Tyla King.
France, on the hunt for the first Cup title, struck back immediately via Anne-Cecile Ciofane but from there it was all New Zealand, Michaela Blyde making something from nothing to sprint for the line and Jorja Miller using an outrageous left-foot step to create space for her try just before the break.
With the halftime hooter having sounded, the Black Ferns got the ball back from a France mistake and a pinpoint King kick was gratefully received by Woodman-Wickliffe for her second.
France were having trouble holding on to their restarts but they struck first after the break via Valentine Lothoz before another midfield break by Miller led to another try for Woodman-Wickliffe, who skinned her opponent on the right.
Manaia Nuku was yellow carded for an intentional knock-on and France scored a consolation try but there was no stopping the Black Ferns, who made up for their fifth-place finish last time out in Perth.
After a dominant win over France in their semifinal, the All Blacks sevens had a brilliant start to their final when Joe Weber and Brady Rush were over in the opening minutes, but the Argentines struck back via speedster Marcus Moneta, who ran in from halfway.
It’s here that New Zealand’s defence began failing them, Argentina scoring another to level the score 12-12 at halftime and they ran riot after the break, with Matias Osadczuk scoring a hat-trick of tries and making a crucial interception to stymie any thoughts of a comeback.
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