Woodman’s scored nine tries in Sydney so far. / Photo: Mike Lee/KLC fotos for World Rugby
New Zealand dictated a 31-0 win over the USA, ending day one of Sydney 7s atop Pool B. Fortunately for the Eagles, Japan defeated England 17-10, thus solidifying the USA as second in the pool. The Americans play Russia at 3:06 p.m. Pacific in the Cup Quarterfinals.
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The game did not start well as the kickoff did not go 10 meters, same as the England match. New Zealand restarted from the 50, swung the ball back from the sideline, and then Ruby Tui spied a speed mismatch. She attacked the gap between two defenders, forcing them to collapse, and opening room for Portia Woodman to speed away for the try after a minute, 5-0.
The restart went into touch off USA hands, and New Zealand restarted play at the Eagles’ 30 meter. The remainder of the half stayed in the USA’s end, save one passage of play. Alev Kelter booted a penalty kick to the Black Ferns’ 30 meter, but some confusion in the lineout produced a short-arm penalty to nullify the opportunity.
Meanwhile, New Zealand deployed a voracious defense, went after the USA’s breakdowns and were successful in disrupting their continuity. The positive possession and territory eventually produced a second Woodman try, who scored after a missed tackle opened up space. Tyla Nathan-Wong’s conversion gave New Zealand a 12-0 at the break.
The game was certainly in reach, and USA Women’s 7s coach Richie Walker instructed the players to get lower in the rucks, deeper on offense, and to get on the same page by upping the communication.
“If you’re quiet, those things are going to happen,” Walker referenced the lineout mishaps.
A pass hit the ground in the USA’s end, and players swarmed. The USA came up with it, and when New Zealand looked up, they realized they had too many players bunched together on the sideline. The USA needed to move the ball quickly, and Ryan Carlyle from the middle of the pitch was just about to release the pass, when Niall Williams came flying in for the cover. She batted the ball down, forcing a USA knock-on and New Zealand scrum. From that set piece, solid phases put Michaela Blyde into the corner for the try, 17-0.
On the positive side, Abby Gustaitis and Cheta Emba did really well going up for the restarts, but the USA overall didn’t hold onto possession for very long. A little desperation on defense produced a “leaving one’s feet” penalty, which led to Woodman’s third try and 19th of the series. Nathan-Wong kicked a beauty from out wide, 24-0.
The game ended with a brilliant individual try from Gayle Broughton, who stepped around two USA defenders for a long-range try, converted by Nathan-Wong, 31-0.
One certainly expected England to beat Japan in the final pool play game of the day, which would have place the USA in third and a non-guaranteed berth to the Cup quarterfinals. The 17-10 upset, however, afforded second in Pool B and the automatic berth.
USA 0
New Zealand 31
Tries: Woodman 3, Blyde, Broughton
Cons: Nathan-Wong 3
USA Starters vs. New Zealand: Gray, Carlyle, Gustaitis, Heavirland (c), Blythe, Kelter, Tapper