New Zealand retain Olympic women’s rugby sevens title

New Zealand retained their women’s rugby sevens Olympic title with a 19-12 victory over Canada.

Canada led 12-7 at halftime, but the reigning champions rallied with tries from Michaela Blyde and Stacey Waaka.

This marks the Black Ferns’ third rugby sevens Olympic medal, having previously secured silver at Rio 2016.

The USA claimed bronze, their first Olympic rugby sevens medal, by defeating Australia 14-12.

As Australia neared victory, the USA’s Alex Sedrick broke through the defense to level the scores with a try and then sealed the win with a conversion.

Great Britain, eliminated by the USA in Monday’s quarter-finals, finished seventh after defeating Ireland 28-12.