Canada’s Women’s Rugby Sevens Team Shines with Silver at the Olympics

Canada‘s women’s rugby sevens team has made a stunning mark at the Olympics, securing a silver medal, which is their best result ever in this sport.

During the gold medal match, the Canadian team faced off against New Zealand, ultimately losing 19-12. New Zealand came into the final with a strong reputation, having previously won gold at the Tokyo Games and silver at Rio 2016.

The Canadians proudly sang ‘O Canada’ before the match at the Stade de France, embracing the moment as they stepped onto the pitch. New Zealand wasted no time in taking control, with Risi Pouri-Lane scoring a try just two minutes into the game, and successfully converting it for an early lead.

However, the tables turned when Portia Woodman-Wickliffe received a yellow card for dangerous play, giving Canada a two-minute advantage. Elissa Alarie, who had made a crucial try in the quarter-finals, seized the opportunity to score the first try for Canada, leveling the score at 7-7 after converting her try.

The momentum continued for Canada as, right before halftime, Keyara Wardley made a spectacular interception, scoring another try. Though the conversion was missed, Canada led 12-7 at the break, creating excitement among players and fans alike.

In the second half, New Zealand quickly regained control as Michaela Blyde scored a try, and Tyla King converted to put New Zealand back in the lead at 14-12.

Despite the pressure from New Zealand, Canada kept fighting until the very end. However, with just a minute left in the match, Stacey Waaka scored an unconverted try, bringing the final score to 19-12.

Earlier in the tournament, Canada had faced New Zealand in a group match, losing 33-7. The Canadian team had fought valiantly through the earlier rounds against Fiji, China, France, and Australia to reach the final. Their previous best Olympic result was a bronze medal at the Rio Games, whereas they had finished ninth at the Tokyo Games.