Share

NZ bemoan costly error

Cape Town - New Zealand Women's Sevens stalwart Portia Woodman admitted that losing to Australia in the final at the Olympics in Rio is gut-wrenching.

Woodman, who scored 10 tries during the tournament, was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on during her team's 17-24 defeat. 

Australia scored 12 points during Woodman's 12-minute spell on the sidelines and she admitted afterwards that although she'll get over the loss, it will take longer to come to terms with the fact that her brief abscence cost her team so dearly.

"It was heart-wrenching to think I had disappointed my girls, my country, my whanau, I know everyone is going to say it wasn't my fault but you can't help but think I knocked that ball on, I was in the bin for two minutes then they got two tries," the 25-year-old told New Zealand's ONE News.

Woodman crossed for a consolation try after the final hooter and broke down in tears shortly afterwards.

"I'll get over it, we got a silver medal, no doubt we are stoked it's just gut wrenching," she added.

"The Australians are a good side, they can read everything we do and capitalise on our mistakes."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE