A Portia Woodman hat-trick has propelled the Kiwi team to a 25-7 win over Great Britain in this morning’s semifinal to secure their place in the gold medal match.
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World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series champions Australia powered past Spain 24-0 to set up a last four showdown with Canada, who needed two late tries to beat France 15-5.
The other semi-final pits Great Britain and New Zealand against each other after they enjoyed contrasting wins over Fiji (26-7) and the US (5-0) respectively.
Then Great Britain’s ill-discipline helped New Zealand kick clear.
Team GB will now take on Canada – runners up in the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup – to compete for a bronze medal, later on Monday.
Regular opponents on the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, France and Canada served-up a tense quarter-final, rousing an enthusiastic crowd. New Zealand did not score less than 26 points in any of its first three matches in Rio.
Earlier in the session, hosts Brazil defeated Colombia 24-0 to progress to the ninth place play-off, where they will face Japan, who defeated Kenya by the same score.
With space out wide, Woodman crossed for her second to give New Zealand a 15-7 halftime lead.
New Zealand began in the same vein as the opening day with tries from Kelly Brazier, Huriana Manuel and Woodman putting them in control, but a try from Camille Grassineau on the stroke of half-time gave France hope. They can finish anywhere from fifth to eighth.
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Woodman showcased her blistering pace with an early try, and although Britain replied quickly when Alice Richardson touched down and McLean converted for a 7-5 lead, New Zealand soon moved up a gear.
