GC2018 a success with Robina on the world stage
Although our Rugby Sevens squads fell agonizingly short of games gold at Robina, it was not through the lack of trying or spirit.
It may not have been the result we all wanted, however the atmosphere at Robina Stadium was incredible. The crowd was well and truly treated to an exciting last day of competition as Gold Coast’s Commonwealth Games wrapped up in dramatic fashion.
Our women valiantly went down to New Zealand 17-12 , fighting for the glory of Gold in an extra time thriller. Australia’s men finished fifth overall in a closely-fought tournament.
The men’s last day of competition started well. Australia’s form looked promising, beating Kenya convincingly. We scored some long range tries and showed some impressive open field attacking play, eventually running out winners, proving far too strong for Kenya, 33-5.
This secured Australia a playoff for fifth/sixth against Scotland. Australia lead 14-0 heading into half time, scoring two more impressive tries for a comprehensive 26-0 win.
Coach Andy Friend conceded our men left their best too late, which proved costly in their overall standings of the competition. Although disappointed, Friend said the playing group would take a lot away from the tournament as the squad continues to develop.
“The game of Sevens is a game of moments, and we weren’t clinical in those key moments, unfortunately. As a group we’ll learn and move forward.”
The theme of missed opportunities was echoed by our women’s team, albeit much more dramatically – going down to arch rivals New Zealand in the gold medal match. New Zealand broke the hearts of the Australian side, scoring a long-range golden point try to win in an absolute thriller.
Similar to the men’s camp, the women were bitterly disappointed but keen to move forward.
“It’s a bit of a hard one to swallow, to be honest. We had our chances, that’s probably the biggest thing – and so did New Zealand – but they were the last ones to score a try, which got them over the line – it’s over so we have to recalibrate and move forward.”
It was the most devastating of defeats, as Australia had more than their fair share of chances to claim the gold. The two teams went end-to-end for the entirety of the five-minute extra time period, but it was a 75 metre Kelly Brazier try which sealed the result for our trans-Tasman adversaries.
What a fast, furious and colourful whirlwind it’s been through all of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Congratulations to the New Zealand men’s and women’s sides, both taking home gold from Robina; and to our Australian women for taking home the still very commendable silver.
And of course, we congratulate all of our Aussie athletes on their fighting spirit and for giving us a great show. Lots of fun times and awesome memories were had at Robina’s CBus Stadium this April.
Final Results and Standings
Men’s Gold Match
New Zealand 14 – Fiji 0
Women’s Gold Match
New Zealand 17 – Australia 12
Men’s Bronze Match
England 21 – South Africa 14
Women’s Bronze Match
England 24 – Canada 19
Men’s semi finals
New Zealand 17 – England 12
Fiji 24 – South Africa 19
Women’s semi finals
Australia 33 – Canada 7
New Zealand 26 – England 5
Men’s fifth place playoff
Australia 26 – Scotland 0
Women’s fifth place playoff
Fiji 40 – Kenya 5
