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'The benchmark': What makes the Black Ferns 7s 'brilliant'

(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

The Black Ferns Sevens extended their lead at the top of the World Series standings with an incredible triumph at the Sydney Sevens last weekend.

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New Zealand put more daylight between themselves and second-placed Australia, who “choked” in the quarterfinals against eventual runners-up France.

The Trans-Tasman rivals have made Cup Finals a habit over the last few years, and appeared to be heading towards another blockbuster at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

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Both teams eased through pool play – as expected – and were labelled as the favourite favourites for their sudden death clashes.

But home crowd favourites Australia lost in a thriller.

It was the upset of the tournament; and may go down in history as the most stunning result from this year’s World Series campaign.

Australia lost by five to Les Bleus, while New Zealand were dominant in their second clash against Japan on Day Two.

The Black Ferns scored 109 points across their three knockout matches, but impressively, they didn’t concede a single point in return.

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To say they were dominant is an understatement.

Following their epic run at the Sydney Sevens, Stan Sport commentator Andrew Swain while New Zealand are now the World Series “benchmark” compared to a “disappointing” Australian side.

“The Aussies had a pretty ordinary tournament to be fair, they really choked I’ve got to say over the course of the three days,” Swain told SENZ The Run Home.

“But the Black Ferns were brilliant.

“It’s the new generation of women coming through isn’t it, the Jorja Miller’s of the world that really stood out over the last fortnight and to get (three) gold medals on the trot (is impressive).

“The Aussie women not really picking up too many competition points over the last two weeks and really disappointing (showed) they’ve really got the jump on the Aussies now I think, the Black Ferns, and (are) bringing through the new generation of women as well.”

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Teenager Jorja Miller stole the show in New Zealand’s 35-nil win over France, as she was crowned the Player of the Final.

The 18-year-old has only played 24 matches in the coveted black jersey, but has already become a key part of the team – and is certainly a superstar is the making.

As Swain discussed, that’s what makes the women in black so good: they’re “able to reinvent the wheel.”

“They’re just somehow able to reinvent the wheel and excel at the highest level constantly, and we over this side of the ditch, we actually look at them in awe because they’re brilliant,” he added.

“We love our Aussie Women’s Sevens team as well and they’ve got some great new talent coming through, but the Black Ferns are really the benchmark at the moment.”

The Black Ferns Sevens will take the field in early March as the World Series heads to Vancouver.

New Zealand will be eager to win their fourth women’s Cup Final in as many events, which would see them extend their 12-point lead on the World Series by even more.

As for the men, they’ll look to defend their Sydney Sevens crown in Los Angeles on February 25-26.

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Mzilikazi 2 hours ago
Western Force and ACT Brumbies looking for signs of progress in Super Rugby Pacific

It’s good to be at the start of the season, to be tipping the games again. Thanks for the article Brett. An interesting and, for me, informative read, as I have not kept up with all the news of all the teams, really only Qld.


Whatever happens in the search for a new coach for the WB’s, all of Les Kiss, Stephen Larkham and Dan McKellar will be coaching their respective teams this year. I believe Kiss to be the best of the three, and by a significant margin(the bad result against the Chiefs in the playoffs last season the one scar), and that gives Qld., in my view, an extra edge.


I agree, Brett, that Qld. on paper, and on squad strength and experience, look the best bet for Australia. If Tim Ryan builds on last year, he could be a WB starter against the Lions. The locking strength and depth is approaching that of teams like Leinster, Toulouse etc…not as strong ofc, but in Super Rugby circles, yes.


I like the type of game Kiss is building. Really carrying on from where he was rudely interrupted at London Irish, when they fell over. The one game on tour where they beat Ulster was a significant pointer to where they are at. While not a top Ulster unit, it was still a very good team, not easy to beat in Belfast. Sadly the Bristol game was a training run, but still valuable in a way, as the group were touring, building systems and understanding.


One player I will be watching with interest is Finn Hurley at the Highlanders. He was brought to my attention a year ago by the grandson of a friend, who knew him at Otago Boys High in Dunedin. Small, but resilient, with a good boot, from what I have seen on clips, he should have a useful first full year as a Highlander.


Hope the Force do well… have always had a “soft spot” for them. But good luck to all franchises, and pray for no serious injuries….as I have done forever, as aplayer, then coach, and now long retired rugby fanatic 😀

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