Record-Breaking Rugby: Women's 7s at the Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympics 2024 was an absolute cracker for Women's Rugby Sevens fans. New Zealand, Canada, and the USA stole the show, each team bringing their A-game and showing the world how it’s done. Here's how they clinched their medals and who stood out on the field.
Golden Black Ferns: New Zealand's Domination
Photo: World Rugby
New Zealand bagged their second consecutive gold in women's rugby sevens, taking down Canada 19-12 in a nail-biting final. Their game plan was all about speed, quick passes, and smart plays, keeping the pressure on their opponents from the get-go.
Stacey Waaka was the queen of the field for New Zealand. Her lightning-fast runs and crucial tries, especially the one that sealed the deal in the second half, were game-changers. Waaka's ability to cut through defences like butter made her an absolute nightmare for the opposition.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, one of New Zealand’s legends, played her final game and reflected on the emotional high of winning gold in front of a packed Stade de France. “To finish like that was amazing,” she said, highlighting the support of her family and the electrifying atmosphere.
New Zealand’s defence was key in the early stages, keeping Canada pinned back. Even after Woodman-Wickliffe’s yellow card, they maintained pressure, showing their depth and tactical acumen. Michaela Blyde's try and Sarah Hirini’s break that led to Waaka’s decisive score underscored their resilience and attacking flair.
Silver Stunners: Canada’s Grit and Grind
Photo: World Rugby
Canada’s journey to silver was all about resilience and smart counter-attacks. They showed they could hang tough against the best, taking the lead against New Zealand at halftime before the Kiwis bounced back.
Chloe Daniels was a standout for Canada. Her try early in the final was a brilliant piece of play that levelled the scores and gave Canada the momentum. Daniels' knack for finding gaps in the defence and making them pay was crucial for her team throughout the tournament.
Canada's Caroline Crossley captured the emotional rollercoaster after the match, expressing pride and gratitude despite the loss. Her hopes are that this silver medal will boost the profile of rugby sevens in Canada.
Bronze Breakthrough: USA's Historic Win
Photo: World Rugby
The USA made history by winning their first Olympic medal in women’s rugby sevens, snatching bronze with a heart-stopping 14-12 victory over Australia. Their play was a mix of solid defence and seizing chances when they came.
Ilona Maher was the hero for the USA, consistently performing at a high level throughout the tournament. Known for her powerful runs and defensive strength, Maher’s leadership and tenacity were instrumental in securing the bronze. Her performances were a huge part of the USA's ability to stay competitive and ultimately triumph over Australia in the bronze medal match.
Maher, who has also become a social media sensation (gaining over 3m followers on Instagram), expressed her joy and exhaustion after the game. She highlighted the hard work and support from her family and emphasized the importance of this medal for the growth of women's rugby in the USA.
Tactical Triumphs and Smart Plays
Each team's success wasn’t just down to individual brilliance but also smart strategies and teamwork. New Zealand’s high-tempo, wide play, Canada’s defensive solidity and counter-attacks, and the USA’s knack for turning defence into quick offence were all on full display.
The coaches deserve a ton of credit too. They had their teams well-prepared and adaptable, making smart tactical calls that paid off big time. The Kiwis’ relentless attack, Canada’s disciplined defence, and the USA’s dynamic transitions made for some epic rugby sevens action.
The Legacy of Rugby Sevens at Paris Olympics 2024
Photo: World Rugby
The Paris Olympics 2024 will be remembered for its thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in women’s rugby sevens. New Zealand, Canada, and the USA have set new standards in the sport, inspiring future generations. The standout players and smart strategies we saw will be talked about for years to come, marking a new era in rugby sevens.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont hailed the tournament as a coming-of-age moment for the sport, noting the record-breaking attendance and the growing visibility of the women's game. The Paris 2024 games have indeed laid a solid foundation for the future of rugby sevens.
All in all, the Women's Rugby Sevens at Paris 2024 was a blast, showcasing top-notch skills, teamwork, and determination. It was a chapter of Olympic history full of excitement and inspiration, proving once again why rugby sevens is such an electrifying sport.
