England Women won their final pool game against Brazil at the Las Vegas sevens, having earlier lost to Australia and New Zealand.
England made a strong start against Brazil with Emily Wood scoring England’s first try finishing off Jo Richardson-Watmore’s break on the right wing, which Alice Richardson-Watmore converted in the opening minute.
Natasha Brennan then ghosted through for try number two as England took a 12-0 lead into the break at the Sam Boyd Stadium.
However, they failed to cross in a scoreless second-half and now move into the knockout stages of the Challenge Trophy competition where they will face Argentina while Spain take on Brazil in the last four.
Earlier, tries from Abbie Brown and Wood were not enough to stop a powerful Australia side with an Emilee Cherry hat trick and two for Ellia Green sealing a 31-14 victory.
They followed that up with another tough clash against New Zealand in Pool C.
Sarah Goss brushed off the England defence for their first try of the game after two minutes before the impressive Wood seared through New Zealand’s defence to dive over in the corner and level the score.
Portia Woodman showed good footwork and pace on the right wing to dot down New Zealand’s second try and her 131st in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series.
On the stroke of half-time Alena Saili finished off a New Zealand turnover for their third try of the half and Kelly Brazier’s converted score took the lead to 22-5.
Michaela Blyde then powered through a tackle for try number five as the score finished 27-5.
Canada, United States and New Zealand all topped their pools, with Russia, Fiji, Australia, France and Ireland joining them in the quarter-finals of the Cup.
England Women squad, Las Vegas
1 Natasha Brennan, 2 Abbie Brown capt, 3 Alice Richardson-Watmore, 4 Millie Wood, 5 Lauren Cattell, 6. Deborah Fleming, 7. Lotte Clapp, 8. Kelly Smith, 9. Fran Matthews, 10. Jo Richardson-Watmore, 11. Holly Aitchison, 12. Chantelle Miell.
Results, Pool C
Friday 3 March
v Australia (31-14)
v New Zealand (27-5)
v Brazil, KO (12-0)
You can see all day one scores here.
Report courtesy of England Rugby
