England Women Sevens were undone by Australia in their final pool game at the Emirate Airline Dubai Sevens and will play Canada in tomorrow’s quarter final (6.06am GMT, coverage live via World Rugby).
A late surge from England allowed Jo Watmore to cross the line but Australia proved too strong in attack and claimed a 24-7 victory to top pool C.
Earlier in the day, in the 28 degree heat, England put in a dominant performance to beat Japan 35-0. Amy Wilson-Hardy picked up a hat-trick and was joined on the score sheet by Fran Matthews and debutant Vicky Fleetwood.
In the second pool game, a try from captain Emily Scarratt and conversion from Katy Mclean, immediately after the break, levelled the scores 7-7 against Spain but a quick reaction from Fisher was the difference between the two sides. Pouncing on a loose ball at the back of Spain’s ruck, she raced down the touchline to score just before the final whistle went.
Head Coach Simon Middleton said: “It was nice to finish the game with a try, but not a good way to finish the day in terms of result, we didn’t do ourselves justice against Australia. They are the best side in the world and we gave them far too much ball and space and allowed them to do what they do, which is carve teams to bits.
“We did some good things against Japan who are a bit of an unknown quantity and we worked on that basis – giving them full respect and played well as a result. We gave the ball back to Spain too cheaply on too many occasions and once that happens, they know how to hold onto possession. This was also a problem against Australia which sends a clear message for tomorrow – look after the ball better!
“We have lots of history against Canada, it is always very nip and tuck when we play them. They are very physical and great athletes. A lot will depend on our approach, if we get our mind-set right we know we can beat them but if we get it wrong, they are very capable of punishing us.
“The standard of competition has shown today that is doesn’t matter who you are playing tomorrow, it is going to be tough in the quarter final and against whoever we face after that.”
England Women Sevens, results from pool C:
England Women 35-0 Japan
Tries: Amy Wilson-Hardy (3), Fran Matthews, Vicky Fleetwood
Conversions: Katy Mclean (4), Alice Richardson
England Women 14-7 Spain
Tries: Emily Scarratt, Heather Fisher
Conversions: Katy Mclean, Alice Richardson
England Women 7-24 Australia
Tries: Jo Watmore
Conversions: Alice Richardson
Highlights and live coverage are available on Sky Sports 3 from midday.
Report courtesy of England Rugby
