Canada advances to Sydney Sevens quarters with wins over Papua New Guinea, France

SYDNEY, Australia — Canada’s women’s sevens team improved to 2-0 on Friday at the Sydney Sevens with a 39-5 win over Papua New Guinea after beating France 26-5.

It was the first time Canada had played Papua New Guinea at a World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series event. The Canadians advanced to their 22nd straight cup quarter-final with the win.

Canada will finish up Day 1 against New Zealand, with the winner claiming top spot in Pool A.

Papua New Guinea showed early signs of an upset, scoring in the opening minute after finding a hole in the Canadian defensive line.

However, it woke Canada up, as those turned out to be the only points Papua New Guinea would score the whole match.

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Canada answered back two minutes later through Charity Williams, who raced down the touchline for a try to put Canada ahead 7-5.

A minute after that it was Megan Lukan with a try. Then it was Britt Benn with back-to-back tries in two minutes to put Canada up 24-5 at half time.

After Breanne Nicholas extended Canada’s lead to 29-5 with a try under the posts, Bianca Farella picked up her first try of the tournament to make it 34-5 Canada. It was Farella’s 65th career try, moving her into fifth all-time on the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series try scoring list.

Ashley Steacy added a try in the final second to give Canada the lopsided win.

Earlier, former captain Jen Kish returned to the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series with a try as Canada beat France 26-5.

Canada improved to 10-2 all-time versus France in the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.

Lukan opened the scoring for Canada after a strong defensive front caused a French player to send an ill-advised pass towards Lukan who easily intercepted and touched down to give Canada a 5-0 lead.

Julia Greenshields quickly followed with a try of her own after captain Ghislaine Landry did most of the legwork.

Kish marked her return to the series with a try just before half as Canada entered the break with a 19-5 lead.

Playing with the lead, Canada grinded down the French in the second half.

With ball in hand, Canada wasted time on the clock as France ran out of options to mount a comeback.

A late Hannah Darling sealed victory for the Canadians.

The Canadian Press