Rugby sevens: NZ women lose in semis to Canada

Jen Kish scored a stunning solo try. Photo / Getty

The New Zealand women's sevens side have risen from fifth to second equal on the World Series table but had to settle for bronze at the second leg in Sao Paulo.

New Zealand were in fine form on a wet and thundery day one, sweeping USA 35-5, Spain 46-0 and Russia 40-10 before blanking hosts Brazil 41-0 in the Cup quarter-finals.

Doubles to Kayla McAlister and Ruby Tui highlighted the latter victory.

They were stymied 19-10 in an upset semifinal loss to Canada thanks to some porous defence and an astonishing solo try to Jen Kish, who went 60m on a mazy run after plucking the kickoff out the air. Kish's run showcased guile, speed and a solid fend.

New Zealand scored through Kat Whata-Simpkins, from a Kelly Brazier crosskick, and McAlister, but it was to no avail.

The Kiwis rounded out their tournament with their fourth strong display and third shutout in the 28-0 victory over USA. Tyla Nathan-Wong, who appears to be over her concussion issues from Dubai, converted all four tries scored by Brazier, captain Sarah Goss, Portia Woodman and Niall Williams, younger sister of Sonny Bill Williams.

Canada's effort in downing New Zealand seemed to drain their energy for the final, in which the dominant Australian Pearls won 29-0 with five tries to sit atop the standings with the maximum 40 points after two events.

The next round of the Women's World Series takes place in Atlanta on April 8-9.

WHAT A TRY!!! Is this one of the best ever scores? Canada's Jen Kish is, quite simply, AWESOME!!! #SaoPaulo7shttps://t.co/qKDiGoGmKP

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) February 21, 2016

Women's World Series 7s standings
Australia 40
New Zealand 28
Canada 28
France 26
England 24
Russia 22
Fiji 18
USA 16
Brazil 9
Spain 8
Japan 7
Ireland 2

Women's World Series 7s
(Sao Paulo, Brazil)
Series 4, round 2

Pool B: New Zealand 35 USA 5, New Zealand 46 Spain 0, New Zealand 40 Russia 10
Cup quarter-finals: New Zealand 41 Brazil 0, USA 22 England 12, Australia 10 Fiji 0, Canada 19 France 0

Cup semifinals: Canada 19 New Zealand 10, Australia 34 USA 0
Bronze final: New Zealand 28 (K. Brazier, S. Goss, P. Woodman, N. Williams tries; T. Nathan-Wong 4 con) USA 0 HT: 7-0

Cup final: Australia 29 Canada 0