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New South Wales take out Next Gen Sevens title in a dramatic final round
By Finn Morton
New South Wales have taken out the 2024 Next Gen Sevens Series in dramatic fashion after beating Queensland 21-12 on Sunday. The rival teams played each other 12 times over three rounds, but the champions weren’t decided until after the final fixture.
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The women in sky blue emerged victorious on points difference after the opening round of the season at Sydney’s Forshaw Park, but Queensland bounced back earlier this month in Toowoomba to level the series.
With everything up for grabs, those selected to represent the neighbouring states set their sights on another four enthralling matches. Byron Bay Rugby Union Club was the host venue for another seesawing day of rugby sevens action in Australia.
In the opening match of round three, the two teams couldn’t split as they were left to settle for a tense 7-all draw. Kiiahla Duff scored New South Wales’ sole try, while Ava Wereta got on the scoresheet for the hosts around 10:00 am.
Amahli Sieli Hala was a standout during the second match, with the Queenslander scoring a decisive double during a clinical 19-12 win. Caitlin Urwin also crossed for a try, while Ruby Nicholas and Waiaria Ellis scored for the visiting team.
New South Wales had their backs up against the ropes.
They had to in the third game to keep their title hopes alive.
Nicholas and Mackenzie Davis helped New South Wales get off to an idyllic start as they raced out to a 14-nil lead. But, Queensland were far from done as they clawed their way back to level the scores after the half-time break.
Ella Carlisle gave New South Wales the lead once again, and Piper Simons’ clutch conversion proved pivotal. Queensland had a chance to level the scores with a late conversion but the attempt missed the mark.
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It would all come down to match 12.
In the fourth and final match, Queensland raced out to a solid lead with the title on the line. Sophie Duff and Olympian Kahli Henwood both registered scores in the opening four minutes of the contest.
But a yellow card to New Zealand-born Wallaroo Carys Dallinger swung momentum back in New South Wales’ favour, who scored late in the opening term. Kiiahla Duff converted her own try after the break to give the team from NSW the lead, 14-12.
With time almost up on the clock, Milla Elaro ensured the title would be heading south of the border with a runaway try. New South Wales won 21-12, which saw them take out the series two rounds to one.
Players from Next Gen Sevens are now available to be selected for an Australia A and Australia U18 squad.
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Australia A will compete in the International Invitational Division at the Dubai Sevens in early December, while the U18s will head to Auckland to play in the Global Youth Sevens in early December.
ROUND THREE RESULTS
GAME 1 – NSW 7 – 7 QLD
GAME 2 – QLD 19 – 12 NSW
GAME 3 – NSW 21 – 19 QLD
GAME 4 NSW 21 – 12 QLD
TOTAL – NSW 2 – 1 QLD
