By Paul Osborne

Australia have won the third round of the IRB Women's Rugby Sevens World Series in São Paulo ©Joao Neto/IRBFebruary 22 - Australia have moved back to the top of the International Rugby Board's (IRB) Women's Sevens World Series standings after victory over New Zealand in the Brazil Rugby Sevens in São Paulo.


Just two years out from Rugby's return to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, crowds flocked to Arena Barueri to watch the IRB Women's Sevens World Series come to Brazil for the first time.

Both boasting 100 per cent win records throughout the tournament, Australia and New Zealand met in the final of a sevens event for the second time this season, as the Aussies repeated their success from Dubai to take a 24-12 victory over their Tasman rivals.

With tries from the likes of Emilee Cherry, Emma Tonegato and Charlotte Caslick, Australia always looked the best team and quenched any hopes of a New Zealand comeback in the second half.

New Zealand lost in the final for the second time this season to the Australian women as they move level atop the IRB Women's World Sevens Series rankings ©Joao Neto/IRBNew Zealand lost in the final for the second time this season to the Australian women as they move level atop the IRB Women's World Sevens Series rankings ©IRB



Third place was won by the Canadian women as they shut out England to take a commanding 26-0 victory.

It was the second game in a row that England had failed to score followed a 31-0 drubbing by Australia in the Cup semi-final.

The Plate was won by Spain, who narrowly edged past Russia 5-0 in the final.

The IRB Women's Sevens World Series made its way to Brazil for the first time in its history just two years before the sport returns to the Olympic programme in Rio de Janeiro ©IRBThe IRB Women's Sevens World Series made its way to Brazil for the first time in its history just two years before the sport returns to the Olympic programme in Rio de Janeiro ©IRB


The Bowl final was a more one-sided affair as the United States left home fans disappointed after a 21-0 victory over Brazil.

Brazil, to the delight of the local support, had thrashed Ireland 30-0in the semi-final but couldn't repeat the feat against the US women.

"The standard of competition this weekend was outstanding," said IRB head of competitions and performance Mark Egan.

"We are really happy with how the tournament has gone, and it was especially important to bring a top class event like this to Brazil, just two years out from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

"Competition like this prepares the world's top women for what it will be like in Rio, and they will benefit enormously from it."

The women now have a short break after back-to-back tournaments in Atlanta and São Paulo before preparing for the next round in Guangzhou, China, in early April.

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