Australia and New Zealand women set to create history

DubaI: Australia and New Zealand were set to renew their trans-Tasman rivalry in Dubai last night after making history by reaching the finals of the first-ever Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Hannah Porter and Huriana Manuel touched down for New Zealand and Selica Winiata converted twice to give the Kiwis a hard-fought 14-12 victory over the Americans, who padded up their score thanks to Christy Ringgenberg and Amy Daniels, the former converting her own try.

Australia won its semifinal against South Africa after taking an early 7-0 lead following Rebecca Tavo's touchdown and Tobie McGann's conversion. However, South Africa kept knocking and Australia opened the door to let Saloma Booysen slip in for a fifth-minute try, which reduced the deficit to two points just before the break.

The Boks carried their first-half momentum into the second period and took the lead for the first time through Phumeza Gadu, who touched down early in the half. However, Australia turned on the heat moments later and made good use of the flanks to enable Bo De La Cruz and Tricia Brown to score tries and put the match beyond South Africa's reach. Brown increased her points tally in the match to seven by converting her try which gave the Aussies a well deserved 19-10 win.

Earlier, Australia booked their spot in the semi-final following a 17-10 victory over England. South Africa, meanwhile, beat the up-and-coming Spaniards, who won all three of their group games, 15-7. The other two quarterfinals witnessed USA crushing France 19-0 and New Zealand humbling Canada 33-12.

England's loss to Australia was the highlight of the quarterfinal stage. The Englishwomen hadn't conceded a point in the group stage on Friday, but Australia proved too hot to handle in the second half and England went down despite leading 10-5 at half-time.