Canada ends 7s season with Biarritz bronze
CBC Sports | Posted: June 16, 2019 10:18 AM | Last Updated: June 16, 2019
Team locked up Tokyo 2020 qualification on Saturday
Canada's women's rugby sevens team will bring home bronze medals after beating Spain 19-14 on Sunday in Biarritz, France.
Tough Canadian defence kept Spain hemmed in their own end for most of the first half, while tries from Bianca Farella and Brittany Benn spotted Canada a 12-0 lead.
Maria Losada struck on the final play of the half, cutting the Spanish deficit to five.
In the second half, Canadian speedster Charity Williams was almost free and clear before the ball was punched out of her grasp. Spain took over possession and scored a try by Elizabet Martinez to take a 14-12 lead.
WATCH | Canada vs. Spain:
Another Williams miscue gave Spain the ball back with about 2:30 remaining, but she made up for it by grabbing a blocked Spanish kick and running the length of the field to put Canada up for good.
WATCH | Canada vs. New Zealand:
Earlier in the day, Canada dropped a 21-12 decision to New Zealand in the Cup semifinals after taking a 12-5 win in the quarters over the host French.
The U.S. took the Biarritz title — their first ever — with a 26-10 victory over overall title winner New Zealand.
WATCH | U.S. vs. New Zealand:
Ticket punched for Tokyo 2020
The win over France comes a day after Canada secured their spot at the 2020 Olympic Games by going 2-1 in pool play, which guaranteed a top four of the World Series Sevens standings, and automatic qualification for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
WATCH | Canada vs. France:
The Canadians scored a 22-19 win over Spain, beat Ireland 27-10, and fell to Australia 27-14.