‘New Zealand wants it more’: Australia seek ‘redemption’ in Toulouse
When the full-time siren sounded after an enthralling women’s Cup final at the Hong Kong Sevens in April, the Black Ferns began to celebrate.
New Zealand had won their fifth World Series event in a row, and extended their lead on the overall standings with an historic victory at the spiritual home of sevens.
But whenever there’s a winner, there has to be a loser. Unfortunately for Australia, they’d fallen painfully short of a much-needed win against their fierce rivals.
Australia opened the scoring in the second minute through Bienne Terita, and were well and truly in the fight for the duration of the final.
Sarah Paki scored with less than two minutes on the clock to make it a four-point game – it gave the defending World Series champs more than a glimmer of hope.
But New Zealand held on. Speedster Stacey Waaka crossed for her second try of the final with about 20 seconds to play, which sealed another famous win for the Black Ferns Sevens.
In a way, the result reflected the World Series up until that point.
Australia had been good, in fact very good for a majority of the campaign, but New Zealand had an edge over them.
Led by the likes of Michaela Blyde and Shiray Kaka, the Black Ferns had stamped their authority on the World Series this season – at times, they appeared unbeatable.
But the Australians haven’t lost hope, or perspective of where they’re at. The reigning World Series champions are coming off an incredible triple crown in 2022, and they’ve still got a lot to learn as a team.
“Winning the triple crown last year, the World Series, Comm Games, World Cup, was just the start of it for us,” vice-captain Madison Ashby told RugbyPass.
“It was amazing, an amazing achievement from our team, especially as such a young team.
“New Zealand just came back onto the circuit in Langford, Canada, and for us to beat them there was the best feeling out team could have.
“Winning that really helped our team realise, ‘Okay, we are good, we are a really amazing team, a very talented team that can achieve anything.’
“If you watched our final in Hong Kong, it was a tough game. It wasn’t like one team was worse than worse than the other, I think what let us down was skills and a little bit of New Zealand wants it more.
“In those moments, they’ve got a very well-put, experienced team. They’ve got a gold medal winning Olympic team.
What a 60 seconds of sevens 🔥🔥
Madison Ashby eventually streaks through the Fijian defence to get the first points on the board for @Aussie7s #HSBC7s | #HK7s pic.twitter.com/lSyTPebzQb
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) April 1, 2023
“This last year, even though we haven’t been winning, it’s been very good learning for our team… we don’t want to be peaking now, we want to be peaking next year.
“I get we’re losing at the moment but our losses aren’t bad losses. We know we’re such a young team and all we can do is keep learning, keep working hard, and keep excelling so by the time we get to the Olympics next year we’re exactly where we want to be.”
Australia began their World Series defence with an idyllic Cup final win over the Black Ferns in Dubai late last year.
Spurred on by standout performances from veteran Sharni Williams and rising star Maddison Levi, the Aussies held on for a hard-fought 26-19 victory.
But in the five World Series events since, it’s been one way traffic for New Zealand. While Australia have failed to maintain some consistency, the Black Ferns have been sensational.
Australia were beaten by New Zealand in the Cape Town decider, and slumped to a bronze medal finish in Hamilton the following month.
But things went from bad to worse in front of their home fans at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium as they were knocked out by France in the quarter-finals.
While they were better in Vancouver, Australia walked away with another silver medal.
Then, playing at the traditional home of sevens for the first time on the Women’s World Series, the Aussies were dealt a similar fate in Hong Kong.
“Not so much wanted it more, I think there were moments in Hong Kong, we’re down (four) points, they have a tap, there’s still 40 seconds to go, we’re not out of the game,” Ashby added.
“Moments like that, we just switch off a tiny bit.
“It’s moments like that where we just needed to work a bit harder and grind more.”
But the past is the past, that can’t be changed.
Looking to grow and develop as a team, the Australians have one final shot at “redemption” this season when they take the field in Toulouse.
“Gotta get through the pool games first.
“Always quarter-finals, I say are our hardest games of the tournament because they’re do or die games.
“Just got to get through those games but definitely redemption for us. We want to leave this series with a bang so we can enjoy our break and then get ready for Olympic season.”
The Toulouse Sevens is the final event on the Women’s World Series for the 2022/23 season, and will take place from May 12th to 14.
Comments on RugbyPass
Ardie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to comments