Back to Black - Black Ferns claim second consecutive World Cup Sevens title

New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens team have claimed their second consecutive World Cup title after shutting out France 29-0 in the competition final.

Michaela Blyde was a standout, named player of the match after picking up three tries in the final.

Blyde finished the competition as the leading try scorer with a final tally of nine from four matches, including two hat-tricks.

Celebrations begin on pitch for @BlackFerns after defending their Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 title! #RWC7s pic.twitter.com/jUX03yMcDa

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) July 22, 2018

New Zealand ran rampant throughout the San Francisco-based tournament, only conceding points in their semifinal against the United States – a 26-21 win.

Their path to the final included a 57-0 win of Mexico, a 45-0 win over Ireland and the aforementioned win against the United States.

New Zealand had three players named in the tournament team, with Blyde joined by captain Sarah Goss and fellow prolific try scorer Portia Woodman.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew said this World Cup victory was the icing on the cake of an already impressive year.

“What a remarkable result. The Black Ferns Sevens continue to raise the bar and this tournament is no different. Being able to witness their World Cup victory in 2013 and to see them defend that title here in San Francisco today is truly special.

“This is a group of fantastic athletes and I have no doubt that they are inspiring the next generation of players, not just in New Zealand but across the globe with their efforts on and off the field.

“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby I congratulate everyone involved in the Black Ferns Sevens campaign,” said Tew.

Australia finished in third place after beating the United States 24-14 in their third and fourth place playoff.

REACTION: New Zealand captain Sarah Goss – "I'm bloody proud of the effort from the sisters and can't wait to go and celebrate with them" #RWC7s pic.twitter.com/EghI2cJyUF

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) July 22, 2018

The men’s draw will finish up tomorrow, with the semi-finals confirmed.

South Africa will meet England in one semi-final, and New Zealand will meet Fiji in the other.

South Africa beat Scotland 36-5 to advance, while England dispatched the host nation United States with a last-gasp try in extra time in their quarter-final, winning 24-19.

Fiji romped through to the semi-final after an emphatic 43-7 win over Argentina, while New Zealand advanced after winning a 12-7 nail-biter against France.

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