The Canadians beat Japan for 9th place in Dubai Rugby 7s

Australia beat New Zealand 26-19 in the final of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event in Dubai on Saturday.

It was close until the second half when Australia pulled out with tries from Maddison Levi and Demi Hayes to lead 26-12.

It was their third consecutive title in Dubai.

« As our coaches say, » Madison Ashby said, « we are the queens of the desert. »

The Canadians beat Japan 15-10 in the playoffs for ninth place after starting their tournament with a 12-7 loss to the United States and a 33-0 loss to Australia.

Canada closed out pool play with a 26-10 win over China.

WATCH | HSBC Women’s World Rugby Sevens Series Dubai – Canada vs USA:

On the men’s side, South Africa won the tournament for the fourth consecutive time after beating Ireland 21-5 in the final later on Saturday.

The South Africans dominated the ball in the first half and scored three converted tries to lead 21-0 at the break. Then their defense took over and Ireland could only score once.

Their maiden victory in the Rugby 7s World Series propelled them to the top with Australia, winners of the first leg in Hong Kong a month ago.

Tough start to Saturday for Canadian men

Canada edged past Brazil for a 36-5 win in the semifinals for ninth place.

The Canadian men’s team beat Uganda 28-0 in the semi-final for 13th place before losing the final 38-7 to Spain.

Canada started the day with a 17-7 loss to Kenya in a quarter-final game for ninth place.

The Canadians also fell short against the United States, suffering a 19-14 loss to start their tournament. The Canadians then suffered a 33-5 loss to Samoa before rallying for a 28-14 win over Japan.

WATCH | HSBC Men’s World Rugby Sevens Series Dubai-Canada v. United States :

HSBC Men’s World Rugby Sevens Series Dubai: Canada v USA

Watch Canada take on USA at the HSBC Men’s Rugby Sevens World Series in Dubai.

Both Canada’s men’s and women’s teams finished the pool game with a 1-2 record.

Shilton van Wyk scored the first try after 20 seconds for the South African men, with a dummy in his own half and a break at the posts. Van Wyk also got the second down on a scissors move and wrong-footed three defenders.

Siviwe Soyizwapi got the third try in first-half stoppage time on an interception as Ireland pushed to return to the final. Ricardo James Duarttee converted all three.

Ireland’s only points came midway through the second half, after Jack Kelly netted a quick penalty.

« We slipped in a few tackles here and there. However, we are really happy with the defense we put up, » Soyizwapi said. « It was part of the plan and I can say it worked. »

The series moves to Cape Town next weekend.