Canadian women finishes second at Sao Paulo Sevens after final loss to Australia

SAO PAULO – Canada has moved into a tie for second place in the HSBC Women’s World Series standings after finishing runner-up to Australia at the Sao Paulo Sevens.

The Canadian women were beaten 29-0 in heavy rain in Sunday’s final as Australia won its second straight Cup final this season.

It marked a return to form for Canada, which finished a disappointing sixth in Dubai, the opening stop of the five-event women’s circuit.

Earlier in the day, Ghislaine Landry, Kayla Moleschi and Jen Kish scored tries to lead Canada to a historic 19-10 semifinal win over New Zealand. The victory was Canada’s first ever against New Zealand, the three-time defending series champions. The Canadians had dropped seven of the previous eight matches, the other ending in a tie.

Prior to facing Canada, New Zealand was unbeaten at the tournament. Last season’s series champion had defeated the U.S., Spain, Russia and Brazil, allowing just four tries along the way.

Landry added two conversions against New Zealand.

The Canadians defeated France 19-0 in a quarter-final match to improve to 8-1 all-time versus the French. Landry, Kish and Britt Benn had tries for Canada.

The Canadians won two of their three games Saturday, beating Ireland 26-7 and Fiji 24-7 before losing 29-14 to Australia.

Canada finished second in the standings last season to secure Olympic qualification. It is currently tied with New Zealand for second.