Black Ferns Sevens triumph, but the men shocked by Argentina

The Black Ferns Sevens farewelled the Hamilton World Series tournament on a winning note.

Jazmin Felix-Hotham of New Zealand.
New Zealand v USA Grand Final.
HSBC New Zealand Sevens at FMG Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand on the Sunday 22 January 2023. Copyright Photo: Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Jeremy Ward

Dominant throughout the event, the New Zealand women thumped the USA 33-7 in last night’s Cup final at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

New Zealand were superb all weekend in the women’s event, scoring 225 points and conceding just 19.

In the Cup final, Michaela Blyde scored a hat-trick in a 33-7 win over USA, while Australia claimed bronze thanks to a 33-17 victory over Ireland.

New Zealand now lead the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings on 58 points with bronze medal winning Australia second on 54 points and USA third on 50 points.

New Zealand were denied a match-winning try in the last play of the men’s final, edged 14-12 by Argentina.

Roderick Solo of New Zealand.
New Zealand v Argentina Grand Final.
HSBC New Zealand Sevens at FMG Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand on the Sunday 22 January 2023. Copyright Photo: Jeremy Ward / www.photosport.nz
Photo: Jeremy Ward

Argentina came back from 12-0 down to win the final while USA took bronze with a thrilling 15-14 win over France.

New Zealand now lead the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings on 63 points with USA second on 61 points and Argentina third on 59 points.

The tournament was the last on New Zealand soil for the foreseeable future.

World Rugby has opted not to bring the tournament to New Zealand beyond 2023.