Australia’s women storm to victory in Dubai Rugby Sevens

The Australian women’s team have claimed victory at the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series in Dubai, beating the Russians 33-12 in front of packed stadium on Friday.

The unbeaten stretch came despite losing the team’s inspirational captain Sharni Williams to injury on the second day of the annual tournament.

Speaking after the final whistle, winning Australian captain Shannon Parry said: “That was an epic final and to play in front of such a crowd in Dubai was absolutely sensational.

“We’ve put a lot of hard work into pre-season and I was really proud of our performance. I’m looking forward to the next round (in Brazil) and then onwards towards Rio.”

The defending champions New Zealand, who were among the sides beaten by Russia on day one, were knocked out of the cup by Australia in the quarter-finals after losing 15-12 - while Russia had previously thrashed Spain in their quarter-final

Russia easily beat Spain 24-0 in their quarter-final, before clinching their semi-finals against England with a last minute try bring that match to a 19-12 conclusion.

But New Zealand’s women did not leave empty handed, winning the Plate final after beating Canada after extra time 19-24.
Third place went to England, who beat France 10-5, while Bowl final went to series newcomers Japan in a match that saw Brazil lose 13-0.

The action now moves to Sao Paulo in Brazil in February, when the 12 teams battle it out as the Road to Rio gets even shorter.