The women’s tournament kicked off pool play on Sunday with twelve matches. The Americans secured a convincing win over Japan in their opening match.
Japan vs. United States
The U.S. women, looking to avenge their disappointing sixth-place finish in Tokyo, had a dream start in their matchup against Japan and ran away with a 36-7 win.
It didn’t start the way the American women hoped, as Sakura Mizutani exploited a huge gap in defense to put Japan up 5-0.
Sarah Levy, in her Olympic debut, answered right away. And on the ensuing kickoff, Kristi Kirshe broke a tackle and put the Americans up 12-7. Before the half, Kirshe and Sammy Sullivan added to the lead.
The American offense dominated the match. Ilona Maher and Alex Sedrick added tries in the second half for the easy win.
Australia vs. South Africa
Gold medal favorites from Australia took on South Africa in their first match and the Aussies cruised to a 34-5 win.
It didn’t take long for Maddison Levi to score the first try for the gold medal favorites. Australia added to its lead two minutes later behind a long run by Faith Nathan. Levi tacked on a second try before the half.
Scoring was a family affair as Teagan Levi scored her own try in the second half. Maddison finished with four tries in the match as Australia defeated South Africa 34-5.
Canada vs. Fiji
A young and exciting Canadian squad took on the Tokyo bronze medalists from Fiji. Canada emerged victorious in the closest match of the morning, 17-14.
In a back-and-forth track down the pitch, Canada finally broke through with a try by Chloe Daniels. Veteran Charity Williams received a nice pass from 7 to put Canada up 12-0 at the half.
Maria Rokotuisiga scored a try for Fiji to open the scoring in the second half. Keyara Wardley added an insurance try for Canada. As time expired, Aloesi Nakoci executed a vicious stiff to set up Laisana Likuceva for a late score. Despite the loss, the points could help Fiji advance to the quarterfinals with a higher point total.
Great Britain vs. Ireland
The first match of the day saw a statement win by Great Britain. The squad scored 21 points and quieted Ireland’s normally high-scoring offense in the 21-12 victory.
Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe’s try gave Ireland the 12-7 edge at the half, but the second half was all Great Britain. Jasmine Joyce and Emma Uren scored tries to seal the win for Team GBR in a battle of European island nations.
France vs. Brazil
The Tokyo silver medalists from France faced Brazil in their opening match and the the trend of lopsided victories continued as France shut out Brazil 26-0.
The French-heavy crowd enjoyed an early try by Joanna Grisez. Lou Noel set up France’s second try as she stripped the ball from Brazil before Chloe Pelle scored.
In the second half, France applied good pressure on Brazil. It paid off when Stephanie Okemba scooped a kick and scored France's third try of the match. Anne-Cecile Ciofani ran most of the field before Ian Jason picked the ball in support for France's fourth try of the match.
New Zealand vs. China
Reigning Olympic champion New Zealand faced China in the final match of the first session and dominated China for the 43-5 win.
Michaela Blyde, one of the greatest try scores in sevens history, wasted no time showing why she has that reputation. She touched the ball down in the corner for the Black Ferns' first try and followed it up almost immediately with another. She wasn’t done and completed the hat trick before the half.
Stacey Fluhler added two tries for New Zealand, one in each half. Blyde finished with four tries in the match. Liu Ziaoquian scored China’s lone try on a nice kicking sequence.