New Zealand 7s retain women's rugby 7s title in Paris Olympics

New Zealand 7s 19-12 Canada 7s, Stade de France

New Zealand have successfully defended their Women's 7s title as they defeated their Canada counterparts in the final of the Paris Olympics with a 19-12 margin.

Canada had aspirations to clinch the gold medal as they lead with a 7-12 margin by half time but New Zealand bounced back hard as they secured their 12th consecutive win in the Olympics following their win in Tokyo three years back.

Risi Pouri-Lane opened the attack for New Zealand with an early try in the second minute but shortly Portia Woodman-Wickliffem who ended her sevens career was sin-binned in the 5th minute.

With the numerical advantage on their side, Canada bounced back with tries from Chloe Daniels and Alysha Corrigan, Canada ensured they completed the opening half with five point lead.

The scores were levelled early in the second half as Michaela Blyde touched down before Stacey Waaka also followed the suit to complete a seven point victory.

Meanwhile, United States defeated Australia 14-12 to win the Bronze medal.

"I think that happened for a reason," said Woodman. "The fire came from Rio and if it wasn't for that moment, we definitely wouldn't have understood what it meant to be an actually good team. Without Rio, we wouldn't be an amazing team."

In hindsight, she cherishes the silver almost, but not quite, as much as the golds.

"A massive learning from that one," she said. "I am grateful for it."