NEW YORK, NY – With the Rugby Calendar in its quieter portion of the year, the U-20 Women Nations cup has a chance to shine. Although there was domestic action of note, too. With no further delay, lets get to action.
U20 Women Nations Cup: In a battle of rivals, the Canada U-20 women defeated USA in the final of the Nations Cup. In the round robin play, Canada defeated the US by 10 points to start the tournament then steamrolled South Africa and England. The US bounced back from that first game lost to also defeat SA and England. The victory over England was a first for the US. With the final being a rematch, a tough contest was expected. The contest was tough but Canada imposed their will early and often as they cruised to victory. Congrats to Canada. The full Womens National Teams for all 4 nations will do battle next weekend at the University of Northern Colorado. Final Score:
USA 3 – 27 Canada
New Zealand v England: The AIG Black Ferns of New Zealand avenged their 2 match series whitewash against England in December of 2012. The Ferns won each match in 3 match summer series to shutout England 3-0. The 2 match series was held in England, this series was held in New Zealand. Each match was a battle but when that extra bit of magic was needed to pull away and secure the win, the Ferns had all the answers as England was left clutching at straws. Final Scores:
13 Jul 2013 New Zealand 29-10 England
16 Jul 2013 New Zealand 14-9 England
20 Jul 2013 New Zealand 29-8 England
SUPER 15 Rugby: The Quarterfinals of the Super 15 were held this weekend. Unlike last season there would be no dream run from a 6th seed. Each home team in the quarterfinal won their match-up. The Crusaders dispatched a Reds side that seem lost for answers up front. The Brumbies had to hold their nerve as the Cheetahs gave them all they could take. Here are the final results:
Crusaders 38 – 9 Reds
Brumbies 15 – 13 Cheetahs
Africa Conference RWCQ: The Africa conference had its some of its World Cup Qualifiers and it seems that there are new contenders. Kenya continue to build their 15s game and seem likely to upset experts as they push for RWC qualification. They defeated another re-emerging nation in Zimbabwe. Madagascar, Africa’s most rugby mad country, took another step forward as they defeated Uganda, with a bit of ease. For more on Madagascar, watch this video from the IRB. Here are the final results:
AFRC/RWCQ Kenya 29 – 17 Zimbabwe
AFRC/RWCQ Uganda 32 – 48 Madagascar
That is it for now, feel free to comment below, look for and “Like” our Facebook Rugby Wrap Up Page and follow us on Twitter @RugbyWrapUp, @JunoirBlaber, @Declan Yeats, @Mathew Drew Turner and @Ebstide52, respectively. And until the next time… stay low and keep pumping those legs.