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Japan shock the world to win title over New Zealand and Australia
By Adam Julian
Since its inception in 2016, the Global Youth Sevens has morphed into the biggest international age group tournament in the southern hemisphere.
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The 2024 edition was held at Dilworth School in Auckland. Japan won the girls’ cup for the first time after a convincing 26-15 victory over Australia in the final. Australia won the men’s competition in resounding fashion defeating powerful composite outfit New Edition 31-7 in the final.
There were 23 female and 32 male teams competing from as far-flung as the USA and the UK. Many Indigenous, Pacific Island, and composite selections boosted numbers and added flavor.
Japan Shock the World
Determined, organised, and precise, Japan thoroughly deserved their surprise victory. In the cup final Japan humbled highly-fancied Australia 26-15.
A quick start had Australia reeling with two tries and two yellow cards conceded within four minutes. Sisters Satsuki and Hazuki Ouchida were a nightmare with their speed, skill and variations. Hazuki scored the first try and Satsuki grabbed the third hitting a gap like a Tokyo bullet train.
Tahlia O’Brien scored a much-needed 70m runaway for Australia to make it 12-5 at halftime. Damita Betham closed the gap to 12-10 early in the second half but there was no sign of panic from Japan. Clinical passing involving half the roster saw Satsuki Hazuki spear through like a javelin in a 40m burst.
Australia was guilty of overplaying their hand and when an error occurred, they were outflanked by Satsauji Ouchida.
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Japan made an equally rapid start in their semi-final against New Zealand. Japan soared highest at the kickoff, tapping the ball onto their side and hitting a hole after 19 seconds. Leilani Naiyaga ran it in from 40m.
Japan’s defense was intense and their industry at the ruck was swift and muscular. Japan won two penalties against New Zealand for holding on and Naiyaga flashed through to double the score.
When Hazuki Ouchida slipped a tackle to rush clear, New Zealand was in disarray down three converted tries.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee was a talisman for New Zealand all weekend and she created a try for Louise Blyde and then scored one herself that was created by captain Maia Davis.
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All three of those players have appeared in the FPC. Sorensen-McGee helped Auckland win a Premiership title in 2023, Davis was captain of the Mankura First XV that won the National Top Four and featured for FPC championship winners Manawatu. Louise Blyde is the cousin of Michaela Blyde. The New Plymouth Girls High School student has had two seasons with Taranaki.
Down 21-14 at halftime, a try-saving tackle by Blyde threatened to derail Japan. Otago FPC player Charlotte Va’afusuaga scored at the opposite end. Sorensen-McGee hit the post with her conversion attempt.
There was more panic in New Zealand’s play though. Too comfortable at home? Unthreatened previously? Two penalties allowed Japan past halfway and when Shiori Okyudo busted past tired defense it was all over.
Japan didn’t concede a point in their first four games disposing of Cook Islands 31-0, Tainui Waka 46-0 and Samoa Sports Club 31-0 in pool play before overwhelming Belmont Shore (USA) 40-0 in the last 16. In the quarter final Japan beat Rugby Vault 33-12.
Japan had a management staff of seven headed by former international and Academy director Keiko Asami. Japan has a women’s professional circuit called the Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series.
Marin Kajiki, Rinka Matsuda and Wakaba Hara attended the Olympics in sevens for Japan from this tournament.
Australia looked polished earlier in the tournament, though they required four tries by Amelia Whitaker in their quarterfinal to foil the stubborn New Zealand Cavaliers 34-19.
En route to the final, Australia beat BC Bears 55-0, Rugby Vault 39-5, New Zealand Barbarians 39-0, Egg Chasers 68-0, New Zealand Cavaliers 34-19, and Central Storm 38-14.
New Zealand was third bouncing back from their semi-final defeat to outrun Central Storm 37-10. Asha Taumoepeau-Williams from Condor Sevens champions Howick College scored two tries.
New Zealand’s path to the semis included victories over Brothers 35-0, New Zealand Cavaliers 34-12, Jasper Williams High School 27-12 & 53-0 and Australia Schools 46-0.
Girls’ Cup quarter-finals
Australia: 34 v New Zealand Cavaliers: 19
Central Storm: 29 v New Zealand Fijians: 0
Japan: 33 v Rugby Vault: 12
New Zealand: 46 v Australia School Girls: 0
Semi-finals
Australia: 38 v Central Storm: 14
Finals
3 v 4: New Zealand: 37 v Central Storm: 10
1 v 2: Japan: 26 v Australia: 15
Girls Tournament Team
Umi Kikawa (Japan)
Leilani Naiyaga (Japan)
Braxton Sorensen-McGee (New Zealand)
Rhani Hagen (Australia)
Amelia Whitaker (Australia)
Litia Bulicakau (Central Storm)
Hazuki Ouchida (Japan) – MVP
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Japan have now been in the Finals 3 years in a row winning twice, so how did they shock the world??