Rugby: Women's sevens team ready to pack for Rio after Canada Cup win

Kiwi Portia Woodman fends off Ekaterina Kazakova. Photo / Judy Teasdale

The New Zealand women's sevens side has virtually sealed Olympic qualification after dispatching Russia 29-10 in yesterday's Canada 7s Cup final in Langford to clinch their fourth consecutive event victory.

The win and, just as importantly, the maximum 20 competition points for the world series, mean Sean Horan's charges will ensure mathematical qualification at next month's tournament in London. At this stage they hold a commanding 22-point lead from second place Canada, with just 10 points separating teams down to fifth-placed USA.

Only the top four have automatic passage to Rio in 2016, and it is difficult to see how New Zealand can be toppled from claiming the series unless they bomb badly in the final two back-to-back tournaments.

Captain Sarah Goss looked tired but chuffed after the final.

"Every team is getting better and better and it was amazing for Russia to make their first final," said Goss.

"We came out with a goal for the series. We are learning each tournament and doing what we need to do. I'm happy for the girls. They're playing amazing and can't wait for the next two."

Moving comfortably through their pool on day one at Westhills Stadium, New Zealand were challenged only by England, winning 24-12, before hanging tough on day two, where Fiji and England, again, were competitive, in the Cup quarters and semifinals. In fact, they relied on a late flourish to see off a resurgent England in that playoff clash.

Russia were the surprise packets of the event, beating Australia in the quarters and reaching their first Cup final. Much of their play revolved around captain Nadezda Kudinova and speedster Ekaterina Kazakova, who scored a fine double. While the Russians gave a good account of themselves with ball in hand, they were hit hard early by the Portia Woodman whirlwind.

The series' leading tryscorer crossed for two tries in the opening salvoes, for her 41st and 42nd of this season, and eighth and ninth of this event, as New Zealand again opened with speed and dynamism.

For the first, Woodman shrugged off a defender and bolted 50m, while for the second she and partner-in-crime Kayla McAlister executed a 1-2 move for the score in the corner.

When McAlister scored her fifth of the event after seven minutes, New Zealand were clear at 19-0. Honey Hireme added another soon after the break, combining superbly with the unheralded Hazel Tubic, who got through a power of work on the tackle at the breakdown, even if not registering on the scoresheet.

New Zealand often looked to create space off quick taps or set-play, but they didn't have to do anything when Carla Hohepa dived over off a loose Russian lineout for the fifth try.

Woodman was the sole Kiwi in the tournament Dream Team.

Three of the focus Cup semifinalists were from Europe, and the onus will be on Canada, Australia and USA to rake in points in the London and Amsterdam tournaments to ensure they lock in Olympics qualification.