New Zealand left the field after an emotional post-match haka wardance during which some of their players were crying.
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Australia were crowned the first ever Olympic rugby sevens champions after beating New Zealand 24-17 in the final of the women’s tournament in Rio on Monday.
The first Olympic rugby gold medal in 92 years has gone to a group of Australian women that includes a mechanic, an elite former sprinter and a 21-year-old newcomer who has traveled around Rio de Janeiro carrying an inflatable kangaroo.
Women’s rugby is making its Olympic debut, while men’s rugby returns for the first time since 1924 when the US won the 15-a-side tournament.
Tonegato’s early equalizer was contentious after she appeared to fumble the ball as she crashed over in the corner, but referee Alhambra Nievas awarded the try after checking with both assistant referees. The Brits had taken a shock 7-5 lead early in the first half, but two yellow card offences saw them playing with only five players late in the half, allowing New Zealand to led 15-7 at the break.
It was the spell that Woodman, the top try scorer in the tournament with 10, spent in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock down around halftime that probably ended those hopes.
Ellia Green and Charlotte Caslick scored for the Australians, extending the lead to 19 points, before New Zealand cut the margin with a second try for McAlister and another for Woodman, her 10th of the tournament.
With the bronze victory, the Canadian team on the other hand had an opportunity to avenge a 22-0 loss to Britain in their final preliminary round game.
The United States beat France 19-5, after a come-from-behind 12-7 win over Fiji, to secure fifth place.
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Moments after the match, Kayla’s mom, Andrea Moleschi – who was at Deodoro Stadium in Brazil with Kayla’s dad, brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law – couldn’t have been more proud.
