Japan win thriller, Black Ferns Sevens reach Vancouver SVNS semi-finals

The Vancouver SVNS Series circuit has reached the playoff stage for another year, as the Women’s side of the draw follows on from the Men’s Day two action that saw the All Blacks Sevens get knocked out by Spain in overtime.

There were no dramas for the Black Ferns Sevens in the quarter-final stage, beating the Canada 7’s side convincingly after impressive performances from Jorja Miller and Stacey Waaka helped the Cory Sweeney-coached Black Ferns team reach tomorrow’s semi-final against Australia at 10:36 AM NZT.

The Black Ferns Sevens got off to a perfect start in their quarter-final at Vancouver’s BC Place, with Jorja Miller winning a turnover close to the line before she was able to walk in right under the posts.

It didn’t take long for Michaela Brake to have her say on the quarter-final against Canada, picking up the ball and doing a 360 to get away from the chasing defender.

Canada hit back straight after Brake’s eighth try of the tournament, as crowd favourite Asia Hogan-Rochester put a left foot step on Manaia Nuku to get on the outside, running away and scoring under the posts to the crowd’s delight.

Stacey Waaka showcased her power and determination, scoring a double within two minutes just before halftime.

Two quick tries from Miller and Kelsey Teneti that the Black Ferns chose not to convert, put the margin beyond Canada’s reach.

In the first of the quarter-finals on the Women’s side of the draw, overtime was needed to separate the USA and Japan.

USA started the quarter-final the stronger of the two sides, breaking away on two separate occasions using their speed and power to get past the Japanese defenders.

Japan didn’t give up there, finding their way back into the game with three quick tries late in the second half, that tied the scores on the full-time hooter, forcing overtime in the first quarter-final.

Minako Taniyama proved to be the hero for Japan in overtime, strolling in under the posts to send the Japanese Women’s SVNS side into the semi-finals against Fiji.

It was all one-way traffic in the second quarter-final between Fiji and Brazil, led by Sesenieli Donu and Mere Vocevoce both scoring quickfire doubles for Fiji.

Brazil were unable to string any sort of phases together, spending most of the game attempting to stop the Fijians from scoring.

Fiji will take on Japan in the Women’s semi-final tomorrow at 10:14 AM NZT.

HSBC SVNS Series powerhouses Australia were too good for the Great Britain 7’s side, as everyone contributed to a well-rounded team performance.

Teagan Levi opened the scoring for Australia, breaking through the line off a nice late cut, and sliding straight through to score under the posts.

Kahli Henwood proved to be too strong and too quick for the Great Britain defence, slicing through just to the right of the posts.

Australia were able to keep the momentum going early on in the second half, dotting down twice more to end Great Britain’s hopes of a semi-final berth at the Vancouver SVNS Series.

Women’s Vancouver SVNS Semifinals:

Japan v Fiji 10:14 AM NZT

Australia v Black Ferns Sevens 10:36 AM NZT