MOSCOW, June 29 (R-Sport) – Russia’s women’s rugby seven team edged a 17-15 win over England on Saturday to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Moscow.
Russia top Pool D with two wins and a draw and will meet Canada in the quarterfinals, while England’s loss means they must face the feared New Zealand, who won all their games in Pool A.
“Boundless joy,” Russia’s Yekaterina Kazakova said, when asked how she was feeling, but warned against complacency.
“The competition’s not over … The game against Canada tomorrow’s very important. They’re no weaker than the English.”
The game was tense as Russia came back from 10-0 down to win, snatching victory thanks to Baizat Khamidova, who ran half the length of the pitch for the crucial try.
After the final whistle, the Russians ran a lap of honor, cheered by the jubilant crowd at the vast Luzhniki arena.
“They were the better side,” England’s Michaela Staniford said.
In the other quarterfinals, Pool B winners Australia meet Pool C runners-up Spain, while Pool C winners the United States take on Pool B’s second-placed Ireland.
