Women’s Dubai Sevens Series Updates: Canada finish second overall

Canada vs. Fiji: 

Canada opened their first match of the Dubai Sevens tournament with a victory over Fiji 38-7.

Julia Greenshields got Canada on the board off a fumbled Fiji line-out. Bianca Farella and Kaili Lukan added on a try each and the two conversions by Ghislaine Landry brought Canada up 19-7 at the half.

A quick try by Britt Benn started off the scoring in the second. With the help of a great driving effort by Sara Kaljuvee, Greenshields dotted down two more tries to secure a hat trick. Olivia Apps was good for two conversions bringing the final score to 38-7 in Canada’s opening match.

Canada vs. Spain:

Canada continued their winning ways with a victory over Spain, 28-7.

Kayla Moleschi got the first try of the game for Canada with Ghislaine Landry adding on the conversion. Bianca Farella dominated the rest of the half, scoring three tries in a row to earn herself a hat trick and put Canada up 24-0 at the break.

In the second, Olivia Apps muscled her way over the line to score Canada’s final try of the game. Spain was able to add on one of their own bringing the score to 29-7 to close out Canada’s second match.

Canada vs. France:

Canada went undefeated in the first day of the Dubai Sevens tournament, finishing off with a tough win against France, 21-14.

Britt Benn started off the scoring with her second try of the day, but it was quickly answer by France’s Chloe Pelle. Kaili Lukan went on a brilliant 70m run to score her second of the day. After another French score it was 14 all at the break.

It was an all-out battle in the second half, with both teams trying to gain the advantage. Finally, it was the quick feet of Charity Williams as she stepped inside and broke the line to score and put Canada over the top. Captain Ghislaine Landry made all three conversion attempts in the 21-14 victory.

Canada vs. Ireland, Quarterfinals: 

Off the first possession of the game it was Kaili Lukan who started the scoring for Canada. Bianca Farella followed her up with two tries in a row, bringing her to six tries so far in the tournament. Ghislaine Landry added on two conversions to bring Canada up 19-0 at the half.

Ireland managed to break through the seemingly impenetrable Canadian line and touch down for a try in the second, but a run by Olivia Apps started off the offensive drive for Canada. It was then Pam Buisa who scored her first-ever try and secured Canada’s spot in the semi final match, with the 24-7 victory.

Canada vs. Australia, Semi Finals: 

A 70m run from Caroline Crossley set up Britt Benn for the try to open up the match. Australia answered with one of their own but a huge solo effort by Ghislaine Landry put Canada up 10-5 at the half. Landry chased down her own grubber and scooped it up for the try.

Australia struck first in the second to tie things up at 10 a piece. Canada was expecting a tough match going into the game and Australia delivered as both teams battled it out for the advantage. Canada eventually won out with a brilliant try off a pick-and-go by Bianca Farella in the final seconds of play to win the match, 15-10.

Canada vs. New Zealand, Cup Final:

Canada finished second overall at the Dubai Sevens Series, losing to New Zealand 26-14 in the Cup final.

New Zealand struck first off a pick-and-go to put them up 5-0 early in the first half. Ghislaine Landry answered back with a try of her own and added on the conversion. Another try by New Zealand had them leading at the break, 12-7.

After another New Zealand score it was Julia Greenshields who turned on the afterburners and dotted down for Canada. Bianca Farella was given a yellow card for a high tackle and New Zealand capitalized on it, scoring another try and solidifying their series win, 26-14.

The second-place finish in Dubai gives Canada back-to-back podium appearances to start off the 2019 HSBC Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series. With eyes set on Tokyo 2020 qualification, their dominate series performance awarded them significant points towards that goal.

Farella had an outstanding series scoring seven tries throughout, the most of any player in the women’s tournament. Julia Greenshields and Kaili Lukan were also impact players, scoring 4 and 3 tries respectively.

The next stop of the Women’s Sevens Series is in Sydney, Australia from February 1-3, 2019.

Canada roster for Dubai:
1. Olivia Apps, Lindsay RFC (Lindsay, ON)
2. Britt Benn, Guelph Redcoats (Napanee, ON)
3. Pam Buisa, Ottawa Irish (Gatineau, QC)
4. Caroline Crossley, Castaway Wanderers (Victoria, BC)
5. Bianca Farella, Town of Mount Royal RCF (Montreal, QC) 

6. Julia Greenshields, Sarnia Saints (Sarnia, ON) 

7. Sara Kaljuvee, Toronto Scottish (Pickering, ON)
8. Ghislaine Landry,Captain, Toronto Scottish (Toronto, ON) 

9. Kaili Lukan, Unattached (Barrie, ON)
10. Kayla Moleschi, Williams Lake Rustlers (Williams Lake, BC)
11. Breanne Nicholas, London St. Georges RFC (Blenheim, ON)
12. Charity Williams, Markham Irish (Toronto, ON)
 
Dubai Sevens Schedule:

Canada 38- 7 Fiji

Canada 29 – 7 Spain

Canada 21 – 14 France 

Cup Quarterfinals

Canada 24 - 7 Ireland

Semi Finals

Canada 15- 10 Australia

Finals

Canada 14- 26 New Zealand

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