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Team GB’s women’s missed out on a place in the inaugural Olympic Rugby Sevens final after a 25-7 semi-final defeat against New Zealand.
But Team GB, who have three Olympic medals at present, could still finish with bronze by beating Canada in the third placed playoff later this evening, whilst New Zealand will face Australia in the final.
Canada, who lost 17-5 to Australia, were beaten by the British women 22-0 in their final group game.
The Black Ferns took an early lead in the game through a Portia Woodman try, but Team GB took the lead through Alice Richardson and Katy McLean’s conversion.
But the southern hemisphere side regained their advantage almost immediately through Ruby Tui, before Britain found themselves two players down when McLean and Amy Wilson-Hardy were temporarily dismissed.
During the duo’s absence, the Black Fens added yet another try before Huriana Manuel sealed a rather comfortable win.
GB captain Emily Scarratt admitted the “better team won”, adding she had no complaints about either yellow card.
“We weren’t good enough in that game,” she said. “We made too many mistakes and weren’t clinical enough. We had a game plan and we needed to stick to that.
“Now we have to dust ourselves off because there is still a lot to play for.
“Losing games is often the biggest thing to stir you on. We’ll use that disappointment to give ourselves a kick up the bum.”
England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winning coach, Clive Woodward, said after the game; “Great Britain have got to refocus now and make sure they take a bronze medal home. If they win bronze, then that is a great achievement.
“They are close to New Zealand and Australia but are not quite there yet. They have a good team but not world-class players – that is the difference.
“The skill level from the women’s game is astonishing. But there was so much space after the two yellow cards. Once you’ve got five players you’re never going to win the game.”
