Heartbreaking Loss for New Zealand in SVNS Series Grand Final
Madrid, Spain
In a thrilling match on Sunday afternoon, New Zealand’s quest for the inaugural SVNS Series Grand Final title came to a heartbreaking end as they fell short against Argentina at Civitas Metropolitano, losing 21-14.
The All Blacks Sevens had entered the blockbuster semi-final in strong form, with Joe Webber and Moses Leo scoring to give them the lead. However, a hat-trick from Argentina’s Matteo Graziano leveled the scores at 14-all before the break and ultimately secured the win for Los Pumas Sevens.
“Just gutted,” said New Zealand’s Leroy Carter, last year’s World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year nominee. “I thought the boys prepped really well and it just comes down to moments, and we didn’t execute those moments.”
Despite having plenty of possession late in the game, the All Blacks Sevens were unable to break away for a final score, with a late knock-on sealing their fate in front of a vibrant, predominantly Argentinian crowd.
“Props to Argie, they played well,” added Carter. “But the boys just need to execute those little moments.”
While the loss in Madrid was a heartbreaker, the New Zealand rugby union team remains focused on the upcoming Paris Olympics, where they will be desperate to claim the coveted gold medal.
“We’ve been building well and we can’t just let one game ruin that confidence,” said Carter. “We’re definitely going to keep building and we’ve still got one to go today.”
Fans of the All Blacks Sevens, as well as the Black Ferns Sevens who were earlier beaten by Australia, will have one more opportunity to see their teams in action this season, as the SVNS Series concludes in Paris.
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