Recap: Sydney Sevens Day Three blog
It all comes down to this. After two days of unmissable rugby action at Allianz Stadium, the Sydney Sevens enters its final day.
Silverware, bragging rights and championship glory are practically within reach for the last four teams standing in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
But this year’s semi-finalists will have to bring their A-game if they want to be crowned Sydney Sevens champions.
The first two days of this year’s Sydney Sevens were brilliant, as rugby fans witnessed a number of thrilling matches between the world’s best teams.
But Day Two was especially intriguing.
Unfortunately for Australian rugby fans, those in attendance witnessed two of the biggest upsets of the World Series season so far.
The Australian Women’s team coasted through pool play with ease, as they outclassed their three opponents.
But their quarter-final matchup was a different story. A yellow card to captain Charlotte Caslick was a turning point for both the Aussies and opponents France.
Les Bleus stunned the home crowd with a 10-5 victory, and the men’s team repeated that feat a couple of hours later.
In the final game of the day, France beat the Australian men’s team 14-17 – with a successful penalty attempt from Thomas Carol in the 15th minute deciding the sudden death clash.
Meanwhile, New Zealand have made the semi-finals in both the men’s and women’s competitions, and have a golden opportunity to win some valuable World Series points.
The Black Ferns Sevens are already four points clear of their Trans-Tasman rivals on the overall standings, and have a chance to separate themselves from the pack even further.
“You’ve just got no idea who’s gonna turn up on the day and you have to turn up, no matter if it’s your home, quarters, first pool game,” New Zealand star Michaela Blyde told RugbyPass on Day Two.
“Obviously it’s an opportunity for us to get some good points ahead of them.”
There are no second chances; this is finals footy. Every team in the finals race will believe they can win it all, but it’s up to them to prove it.
RugbyPass is here at Allianz Stadium, and will keep you updated on all the latest action throughout Day Three of the Sydney Sevens.