Sydney 7s: Australia to play New Zealand in women's final after Ellia Green hat-trick

Brendan Bradford

Sydney 7s: Australia to play New Zealand in women's final after Ellia Green hat-trick image

Australia will play New Zealand in the women's final of the Sydney 7s after a hat-trick from Ellia Green saw the hosts beat Ireland 24-12 in the semi-final. 

The Kiwi women, who won the opening two tournaments of the series in Glendale and Dubai, hammered the USA 29-5 in the first semi-final. 

Australia got off to a brilliant start against Ireland with a quick tap from a penalty allowing Green an untouched 70m sprint to the tryline in the opening minutes. 

The 25-year-old added a second just moments later after finding more space down the right flank. 

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Returning to the side after six months out with shoulder injury, Emma Tonegato scored on the stroke of halftime to give Australia a 19-0 halftime lead. 

Ireland started fast in the second spell, scoring early through Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe.

The Irish finisher scored her second five-pointer shortly afterwards, following good work by her teammates through the middle. 

With just over two minutes to play, Green turned from try-scorer to try-saver on the right edge, making a huge tackle just as Ireland looked like scoring a third second-half try. 

Instead, Australia earned a penalty and spread it wide, allowing Green to run 98 metres for her hat-trick and a 24-12 win. 

"They always bring it - a real tough bunch of Irish girls," Green said afterwards. 

"I'm friends with a lot of them, and they're really kind, genuine people. But far out, they can give it to us, but it was a great battle.

"I'm always playing for the lady above, my mum. But I also play for the girls day in, day out, I love them to bits.


 

The decider later on Sunday will be Australia's first appearance in a final of the current series, with a bronze in Dubai their best result so far.

Meanwhile, New Zealand advanced to the final having only conceded 24 points in five matches. 

"It's all we wanted, they're an amaing team and we love to play against them," Green said of what will be a rematch of the 2018 Sydney 7s final

"What better opposition to play against in Sydney."

Australia opened its account on Friday with a 19-0 win over Spain, before a 24-7 victory over China. There was a hiccup late in the day as the USA earned a 19-12 win over Australia to top the group. 

New Zealand's run to the final included easy victories over Papua New Guinea, France and England in the group stages, before a 17-7 defeat of Canada and a 29-5 win over the USA in the semis. 

 

Brendan Bradford