England Women reach World 7s Series Atlanta Quarter Final
By RFU Julia Hutton
February 16 2014
England Women Sevens booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Atlanta leg of the World Series on Saturday night and will now face Australia in the final eight. A new looking England side recorded victories over Ireland and the Netherlands but fell to a 14-5 defeat to reigning world champions New Zealand in the final round of pool matches.
Richmond’s Natasha Brennan secured a hat-trick of tries in an opening 32-0 defeat of Ireland, whilst Danielle Waterman, returning from a long term injury, Claire Allan and captain Abigail Chamberlain also added tries. England then put 19 points on the Netherlands in a 19-12 victory with Brennan and Allan once again on the score sheet. Sarah McKenna also added a try and two conversions. In the final match of the day Waterman was the only scorer in the 14-5 defeat to New Zealand. England now take on Dubai World Series winners Australia in the quarter-finals at 5:22pm GMT today. New England Sevens Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “We played disciplined and intelligent rugby for most of the day, translating areas we have discussed in training into games. However, we recognise that we still have plenty to work on but we have a really good baseline showing us where we are. “Although we are disappointed we didn’t beat New Zealand we are generally pleased with the performances on the opening day. We know we have to step up again if we are to progress any further in the tournament. “We know Australia is going to be a huge challenge. They are a skilful, physical and a dynamic side. They showed in Dubai how dangerous they are and what character they have.” England Sevens Claire Allan (VC) (Richmond) Natasha Brennan (Richmond) Abigail Chamberlain (C) (Richmond) Heather Fisher (Worcester) Francesca Matthews (Richmond) Sarah McKenna (Saracens) Leanne Riley (Saracens) Emily Scott (Thurrock) Sally Tuson (Saracens) Danielle Waterman (Bristol) Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol) Michaela Staniford (Wasps) England Atlanta Playing Schedule: February 15 England 32 Ireland 0 Tries: Brenna (3), Waterman, Allan, Chamberlain Conversions: Brennan -------------------------------- England 19 Netherlands 12 Tries: Allan, Brennan, McKenna Conversions: McKenna (2) -------------------------- New Zealand 14 England 5 Tries: Waterman February 16 5:22pm GMT England v Australia Knock out matches TBC |
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England Sevens captain Abigail Chamberlain
England Women had to settle for a disappointing seventh place finish in the Atlanta leg of the IRB Sevens World Series on Sunday.
Simon Middleton’s side were knocked out of the cup competition by Dubai World Series winners Australia in the quarter-finals, before then losing to America in the Plate semi-finals. That defeat pooled England against Japan for the battle for seventh place which England secured.
England Sevens Head Coach Simon Middleton, who took charge of this England side just last month, said: “We are obviously disappointed with the result this weekend. There are some positive elements but we need to have more consistency in our performances.
“We have high expectations of what we can achieve because we have quality players. We know that we have got to deliver quality performances in every game though if we want to achieve the results we strive for.
“There is lots of work to be done this week but the players are up for it. We are all on a steep learning curve but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
England booked their place in the Cup quarter finals after victories over Ireland (32-0) and the Netherlands (19-12) and a 14-5 defeat to reigning world champions New Zealand on Saturday.
Sunday, however, was a different day altogether for England with Australia taking a 17-12 win to secure a place in the semi-finals. England pushed Australia hard for that win, forcing the game into extra time when the match was level at 12-12 at full-time. Wallaby captain Sharni Williams was decisive in the extra period though and put the vital points on the board.
England, however, failed to pick themselves up for the Plate semi-finals with the USA’s Jessica Javelet running in a hat-trick of tries to seal a convincing 5-19 victory.
England regrouped for the final match against Japan, taking a 19-12 win. A hat-trick of tries from Natasha Brennan and two conversions from Sarah Mckenna secured the win.
England now sit fifth in the World Sevens Series ranking ahead of round three which kicks off this Friday in Sao Paulo.
England Sevens
Claire Allan (VC) (Richmond)
Natasha Brennan (Richmond)
Abigail Chamberlain (C) (Richmond)
Heather Fisher (Worcester)
Francesca Matthews (Richmond)
Sarah McKenna (Saracens)
Leanne Riley (Saracens)
Emily Scott (Thurrock)
Sally Tuson (Saracens)
Danielle Waterman (Bristol)
Amy Wilson-Hardy (Bristol)
Michaela Staniford (Wasps)
England Atlanta Playing Schedule:
February 15
England 32 Ireland 0
Tries: Brenna (3), Waterman, Allan, Chamberlain
Conversions: Brennan
England 19 Netherlands 12
Tries: Allan, Brennan, McKenna
Conversions: McKenna (2)
New Zealand 14 England 5
Tries: Waterman
February 16
England 12 Australia 17
Tries: Chamberlain, Allan,
Conversions: McKenna
England 5 USA 19
Tries: Wilson-Hardy
England 19 Japan 5
Tries: Brennan (3)
Conversions: McKenna (2)