Amsterdam hosted the final leg of the IRB Women's Sevens World Series this past weekend, as the New Zealand women claimed the inaugural World Series title. Canada gave them a scare in a brilliant tournament final, but they were too strong in the end.
The first ever IRB Women's Sevens World Series came to a close in Amsterdam with the New Zealand women emulating their male counterparts by taking the series title in convincing fashion.
While things didn't go entirely their way in the final, they claimed a 33-24 win over a very impressive Canadian side, with Kayla McAlister, the sister of current Toulouse star Luke, scoring two great tries, and Portia Woodman helping them take the lead with a scintilating sprint down the wing.
New Zealand finished the series on 74 points, ahead of England on 60, Canada on 52, and the USA on 48. Woodman was top points and try scorer for the season. She scored against Russia in their semi final victory too, before the Russians went on to claim third place overall by beating England.
Russia will be buoyed by their form ahead of playing host the Rugby World Cup Sevens next month, while New Zealand will no doubt be favourites, on the men's side of things too.
"It is pretty special, that was never a focus of ours, when we go back to Dubai it was just about building. We have some special girls and we've just come to learn. We are just getting better and better and that is the ideal," said Sean Horan, New Zealand Women's coach.
"We are proud of the girls, a good bunch and we're just enjoying the experiences," he added.
The USA beat Spain in sudden death extra time to win the Plate Final, while hosts The Netherlands lifted the Bowl after a convincing 32-0 defeat of South Africa.
Below are highlights from the final day, including the final (at 4:48). View Day One Highlights here
View Day One Highlights from the 2013 Amsterdam Sevens and Women's Sevens World Series
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