Heartbreak for Australia after late drama

Australia’s women have suffered another heartbreaking loss to the USA as they endured a tough day in Cape Town to finish fourth in the latest sevens World Series event.

A week after they kicked off the new campaign with victory in Dubai, the Aussies had to settle for fourth spot after going down 24-19 to the Americans in the semi-finals just months after the USA broke their hearts in the bronze medal match at the Olympics.

Things looked good when Maddison Levi scored to make it 19-7 in the second half, but three tries – including two to Nia Toliver – blew the game wide open, with Toliver scoring in the final minute to snatch victory for her side.

Things didn’t improve in the third-place playoff, with France scoring three tries in the opening three minutes, with Australia’s fightback falling short as they went down 17-14.

“We don’t have a good track record playing in third and fourth playoff matches and although it is rare we are playing in them, I will need to look at how we prepare and rectify how we perform in these matches,” coach Tim Walsh said.

“The two weeks on tour have been excellent for the squad.

“We have blooded four debutants, had a try-scoring record, a season-opening series win, leadership experience, on and off-field growth and plenty of memorable moments.

“We are looking forward to Perth.”

New Zealand powered past the USA in the women’s final, while South Africa celebrated their home event with victory in the men’s decider.

Australia’s men recovered from a poor first day to finish ninth, with the next event to be held in Perth next month.