Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens: Canada ready for ultimate test against big guns New Zealand
Key players Olivia Apps and Hong Kong-born Florence Symonds keen to see ‘what we can do’ in semi-final, as Australia or France lie in wait
Canadian duo Olivia Apps and Florence Symonds said they were ready to take on the heavyweights at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens after reaching the semi-finals on Saturday.
A 19-7 win over the United States sent the Paris Olympic silver medallists to the last four for only the second time this season. They previously reached the final stages of a Sunday in Singapore in February.
Charity Williams scored twice – the opening and closing tries – for Canada. Ariana Ramsey gave the USA some hope early in the second half, only for Savannah Bauder to smash it just as quickly.
“We faced the USA quite a lot this year, and we have been really growing throughout the tournament,” Apps, the Canada captain, said. “We were disappointed in our loss to Australia this morning, so we really just wanted to grow on that performance.
“It’s always a physical battle against the USA, but I am really proud of the team and what we were able to get together.”
Hong Kong-born Symonds was in the thick of the action for Canada in the opening half, breaking up attacks with well-timed tackles.