Oceania Sevens - Australia and New Zealand into the Final and off to Dubai
Samoa's courageous captain goes forward. photo Zoomfiji
The Kiwi's attack with angles. photo Zoomfiji
Fiji on the attack. photo Zoomfiji
The Aussie captain unloads a perfect pass under pressure. photo Zoomfiji
Australia and New Zealand will contest the 2008 Oceania Sevens Women's final and in doing so have booked their places in the IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai.
Early pressure from Manu Sina had Australia scrambling in the first semi final - Samoan defence was resolute cramping the dangerous Australian speedsters.
Australia's Debby Hodgkinson crossed for the first try of the game after some sustained pressure to give Australia a 5-0 lead mid-way through the first half.
Ruan Sims crossed for Australia's second try a short time later to give Australia a 10-0 lead at half time. Australia enjoyed the bulk of possession in the first half but the Samoan defence was strong - with coach Dicky Tafua deciding that cramping the Australians space was the best way to choke their scoring opportunities.
The Manu Sina were down to 6 when Amanda Cahill was sin binned early in the second half for a high tackle and from that point on, the Australians turned the screws on their opponents with tries to Ruan Sims, Amanda Judd and finally Selena Tranter to give Australia a deserved 29-0 victory.
New Zealand got off to the best possible start in the second Semi Final courtesy of a brilliant individual try by Victoria Grant in the opening minute to give the kiwis an early 7-0 lead.
Melissa Jane Ruscoe crossed soon afterwards as New Zealand jumped to a 14-0 lead.
Victoria Grant was having a day out as she scored yet another brilliant try from within her own half to give her team a 21-0 lead.
The Fijiana sprung to action shortly afterwards, Iva Vunikura finishing off a brilliant team try to keep them within the hunt at half time - New Zealand leading 21-5.
Huriana Manuel ended Fiji's hopes of qualifying for the final when she crossed mid-way through the second half to give New Zealand an insurmountable 28-5 lead.
Fiji weren't ready to give up though and Tavaita Rowati responded immediately with a try of her own. New Zealand 28, Fiji 10.
Hannah Porter scored on fulltime to give New Zealand a convincing 35-10 victory and a place in the final against Australia.