Paris 2024 Olympic Games – Spot the New Zealand women's rugby sevens team ahead of the Olympics

When it comes to rugby, New Zealand is never far from the spotlight, especially in women’s rugby sevens. The Black Ferns 7s are almost untouchable on the world stage. Since the inception of the sevens series in 2012-13, they have finished first eight times in 11 editions. Logically, the Kiwis are favourites to win the Olympic title in Paris.

2023-2024 season:

This year, once again, Corey Martin Sweeney's players have had almost nothing to do in competing in the Sevens Series. With four championships won (Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore), New Zealand dominates almost everyone.

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Only 3 teams have managed to defeat the Black Ferns: Canada (once), France (twice) and Australia (3 times), for a total of 6 small defeats in 46 matches.

Specifically, only Australia has provided real competition in terms of results on the track, including three titles Final in Madrid. Led by the brilliant Portia Woodman (43 games, 27 tries) and Michaela Blade (45 games, 53 tries), the Ferns appear to have few flaws. Especially since the selection will benefit from the extra weight with Sarah Al-Herini officially returning on a trip to Paris.

Player to watch: Sarah Herini

We thought our dream was gone. On December 2, 2023, the winger's knee gave out at the Dubai Championships. She left her team in tears with a magnificent haka. A devastating blow and a huge loss for the entire Black Ferns squad. Just months before the Paris Games, she must undergo surgery for a torn cruciate ligament and will likely say goodbye to a third Olympic event. However, the rugby sevens star found the strength to return in time for this unmissable moment.

After weeks of rehabilitation, she surprised everyone by being part of the Paris group. His unlikely return was the subject of a documentary series broadcast on the channel “Without Relaxation”. NZR+ platform.

Logically lacking in rhythm (two matches, one Test), the flag-bearer and Tokyo Games gold medalist will have to gain momentum quickly over the course of Group stage To try to get his team to the final. She hopes to become one of the first double Olympic gold medalists in women's rugby sevens.

Prognosis:

It is hard to imagine a negative result for the Black Ferns as the Games approach. A top-of-the-table clash against Australia looks set to loom between the two great nations of Oceania. However, let us not forget the French, on home soil, who can be a spoiler at the best of times.