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Black Ferns repeat as Olympic gold medallists as legends bow out on top
By Ben Smith
The Black Ferns Sevens team has successfully defended their Tokyo gold medal with a repeat victory over Canada 19-12 in Paris.
In the process they captured New Zealand's first medal of the Olympic games and sent out a number of legends out on top.
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, and Tyla King (previously Nathan-Wong) had previously announce their retirements at the end of the Olympics and finish as double Olympic gold medallists, in addition to silver medalists from Rio 2016.
Sarah Hirini, Michaela Blyde, Stacey Waaka, Risi Pouri-Lane and Alena Saili also captured their second gold medals, joining an exclusive list of New Zealanders to win multiple gold medals.
Jazmin Felix-Hotham, at her first Olympic games, told Sky Sport NZ it was "the best day of her life" after the achievement for what has been a huge month for the family after brother Noah Hotham's All Black debut.
In additon to Felix-Hotham, Jorja Miller, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul and Theresa Setefano all became first-time gold medallists.
"It’s pretty special. I’m proud of the team. I’m proud of the team around us, the people at home who have supported every single one of us, and helped us get to this moment. It takes a whole tribe," said captain Pouri-Lane.
"We’ve got some great players retiring after this tournament and we owe them such a lot. We’ve learned such a lot from them, and been empowered by them. But not just us, all around the world."
Retiring legend Tyla King spoke of the dedication and discipline to get to training every day as all worth it for the Olympic result, and thanked the country for their support in the early hours of the morning.
The day started with a 24-12 win over United States in the semi-final, while favourites Australia were upset by Canada 21-12.
The final started well for New Zealand with an early try but Canada struck back twice, including an intercept try off Sarah Hirini to take the lead 12-7.
New Zealand used all their experience to stay calm and composed, scoring through Michaela Blyde to take the lead 14-12 in the second half.
With the game in the balance, smiling assassin Stacey Waaka finished off a break down the left flank to give New Zealand a seven-point buffer which remained the final score.
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Itoje could have made an outstanding No 8 in the Morne Du Plessis fashion.
Go to commentsNo, I have no qualms with brainstorming issues. Agreeing or disagreeing is the very basis of it, provided it's constructive and not vindicative. That you feel I'm wrong or express flawed opinions is your prerogative. I may well be, but they are no different to any other views. With brainstorming, it's not right or wrong views but the maturity to accept they differ and agreeing to disagree. I had predicted division among the ranks from the hour Razor had selected his squad. I'll take that amid mighty scoffs and abuse from the great unwashed but that's part of the social media jungle traits.
What is in anyone's contract or isn't is immaterial, methinks. When you're embarking on your rookie test coaching season, you choose the best paddock leader for the job to take you to the next RWC. I've already outlined my case on your previous feedback. While Savea had denied he wasn't ruffled with his non-selection as skipper, his move to Moana Pasifika suggests otherwise. He is the 2023 rugby player of the year. The other has the worst disciplinary record in the history of ABs.
How long is a piece of rope? Should we afford Razor the luxury of going all the way to the next RWC before entertaining another round of gnashing of teeth? The number of how many debut players is a given to whoever calls the shot. Ultimately, coaches live and die on their selections and deliverables. How they find a balance is their prerogative. That DMac is Razor's or NZR's "to the manner born" is immaterial because the ultimate selection starts and ends with Razor.
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