New Zealand again proved their dominance on the world stage last weekend as they beat Australia in another thrilling final on the Women’s Sevens Series. But the “sistas” were put under pressure by the USA, who will host the next leg in Atlanta in March, ran close by France in the semi-final, and the final against Australia was just a one score game.
Is this a sure sign that competition is getting tougher?
“What is evident is the rise in standards and they will rise again as more countries place their squad members on professional contracts,” said commentator Wyn Gruffydd.
“France is a case in point as they reached the semi-finals for the second event in a row to consolidate fourth place in the rankings.
“It’s hard to look beyond reigning world and series champions New Zealand, and their rivals Australia, as potential 2015 winners. But it’s certainly within the capabilities of France and Canada to win a tournament before the curtains come down on this series.”
Further down the standings, Gruffydd feels surprises could be in store during the remaining four rounds.
“China came a distant 12th in Dubai, but they re-grouped in São Paulo to defeat South Africa with their best showing of the weekend. They are quick to learn, and I think they will surprise teams further up the rankings before the season ends.
"Gruffydd: "There is now another 'joga bonito' (beautiful game) gaining in popularity in the land of Pele and Ronaldo""
“The surprise package of the São Paulo tournament was the host nation Brazil. Investment from World Rugby and the Brazilian Olympic Committee is attracting potential rugby athletes and paying dividends. Catching the eye at the weekend was their tireless captain Paula Ishibashi, alongside the feisty Julia Sarda and powerful runner Julia Esteves Santos. With wins over China and Fiji we saw women's rugby feature in the sports pages of the national newspaper. There is now another 'joga bonito' (beautiful game) gaining in popularity in the land of Pele and Ronaldo!"
Former England captain turned commentators Sue Day thinks Brazil have skills to match their passion.
“Paula Ishibashi was at the heart of everything for Brazil, and the hosts had an excellent tournament. It can go one of two ways playing at home: extra pressure or extra inspiration. For Brazil it certainly seemed to be inspiration. They string excellent phases together and play some really entertaining sevens."
According to Day, several players stood out in the Brazilian sunshine.
“It was great to see Kayla McAlister and player of the tournament Portia Woodman back in tandem for New Zealand. The duo of Sharni Williams and Shannon Parry got through a tonne of hard work for Australia, Joanne Watmore for England looks like she is getting back to her best, while Canada’s Ghislaine Landry showed that she is both a finisher and a gap-making playmaker.
With Olympic qualification on the line for the top four teams at the end of the series, the perennial question is who will be the first four teams to make it to Rio 2016?
“The series looks to be between Australia and New Zealand. Canada still have an outside chance but will have to start taking every half-chance against the two super powers,”added Day.
“The other top four contenders are England, France, USA and Russia. France and Ric Suggitt’s USA are much improved but my money for the top four (at the end of the season) would be New Zealand, Australia, Canada and England. There, I’ve said it!”
