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Black Ferns Sevens and Blitzboks reign supreme in Vancouver
By Henry Lee
The Black Ferns Sevens and the Blitzboks have taken out their respective tournaments at the HSBC SVNS Series circuit in Vancouver, with the Kiwis proving too good for Australia, while the Blitzboks outclassed Spain.
Spain battled hard to the end against the Blitzboks, but their slow start during the first half meant it was too little, too late, as the South African’s clinched the Vancouver leg of the SVNS Series, 38-12.
The experienced Impi Visser added the final blow as the final hooter sounded, but it was Shilton van Wyk who was the star of the show for the Blitzboks, running in two important tries against Spain.
The 26-year-old helped his side claim a crucial circuit victory in Vancouver, taking them to 86 Series points, the same as Fiji, who lead by two in the points differential tiebreaker.
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On the Women’s side of the draw, it was business as usual for the Black Ferns Sevens, winning a tense battle against rivals Australia in the final, 24-17.
Despite the Kiwis being down a couple of troops with injuries throughout the course of the weekend in Vancouver, Cory Sweeney’s side showcased their class in the final, holding on against a physical and competitive Australia side.
Sweeney was without Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Jazz Felix-Hotham, and Manaia Nuku due to injuries.
Jorja Miller, who scored her 100th career SVNS Series try during the pool play clash with Japan, was once again superb in the final as she led her side to their fifth straight Vancouver title.
Miller crossed for the first try in the game in the sixth minute just prior to halftime, just after Jaymie Kolose opened the scoring in the final.
Miller then won a turnover penalty at the breakdown, highlighting her wide-ranging skillset that she has to offer.
Australian star Maddison Levi hit back just before halftime, scoring her ninth try of the tournament to wrestle back the momentum towards Australia.
22-year-old Miller was quick to stamp her mark on the second half, breaking through the Australian defensive line, before linking up with her teammates a couple of meters short of the line.
Mahina Paul fired a pass to Katelyn Vaha’akolo, who strolled in under the posts.
Levi was back in the action moments later, being in the right place at the right time on the end of an Australian break. The conversion was unsuccessful, but the try put them right back in the final.
Mackenzie Davis then showcased her pace off the bench, tying the game with under two minutes to play at 17-all.
Black Ferns Captain Risi Pouri-Lane put Stacey Waaka through to score in the dying stages, before the latter gave up her try for Alena Saili, who dotted down under the posts to secure the 24-17 final triumph.
The teams will dust themselves off and travel to New York for the next leg of the HSBC SVNS Series, starting next weekend.
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