Sport | Rugby
Aussies and Samoa make World Cup
The two nations win Oceania qualifying group for the Sevens Rugby tournament in Dubai.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:47 July 29, 2008
- The Australian women's rugby team who beat New Zealand 22-15 in the final of the Oceania Sevens tournament.
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
Dubai: Samoa's men and Australia's women have won the Oceania Sevens titles, securing their place in the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.
Samoa were ruthless throughout the two days of the Oceania regional qualifier in Samoa.
They overwhelmed Tonga 52-0 in the final, much to the delight of the large home crowd.
Somoa scored the opening try after only 30 seconds through Ofisa Treviranus.
Throughout the game they ran with purpose, captivating the crowd with their power and their ability to secure so many of their own kick-offs.
Tries from Alatasi Tupou, who bagged a pair, and Alafoti Fa'osiliva gave Samoa a 26-0 lead at half time and the hosts were just as dangerous after the break with Treviranus, Fa'osiliva, Afa Aiono and David Lemi all touching down.
Australia did not have it so easy in the women's final against New Zealand with Nicole Beck's try right on full-time snatching a 22-15 victory.
The Aussies had already beaten their neighbours 15-5 on the first day to top the five-team round robin competition.
Last minute winner
The Australians had to come from behind after Selica Winiata scored for New Zealand but Debby Hodgkinson's try levelled the score at 5-5.
Hodgkinson set up Australia's second try with a fine break before offloading to Ruan Sims, but speedster Victoria Grant sprinted away to make it all square at 10-10 going into the break in a thrilling end-to-end encounter.
Sims and Grant claimed their second tries of the match to again level the scores, but with some resolute defence and sheer determination it was the first ever Australian women's Sevens side who tasted victory thanks to Beck's match-winner.
Tonga and New Zealand, by reaching the final, will join Samoa and Australia in the men's and women's events at Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai from March 5 to 7.
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