With the sound of the on-field referee’s whistle, New Zealand’s hopes and dreams of reaching their first SVSN Series Grand Final in Madrid were dashed. They gave everything to Argentina but suffered a heartbreaking 21-14 defeat.
It was one of those sporting moments when time seems to stand still as the exciting battle concluded at Civitas Metropolitano on Sunday afternoon. As New Zealanders began to process what had just happened, most of the crowd went berserk.
The two teams shook hands and then slowly made their way toward the tunnel, avoiding the public’s gaze. All Blacks Sevens coach Tomasi Cama was the first to walk to the changing rooms before the players followed.
Veterans Scott Curry and Sam Dickson looked disappointed but still took the time to sign autographs and take pictures. Leroy Carter, nominated for World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year last year, did the same.
New Zealand won the cup finals in Hong Kong and Singapore, but missed out on the chance to become overall SVNS Series champions when they were eliminated in a winner-takes-all contest in Madrid.
“I was just gutted,” Carter said. Rugby Pass. “I thought the guys prepared really well, but then something went wrong and we just couldn’t execute.
“It’s always going to be difficult to finish in the top eight in a regular series season. But we had no excuses because we knew what we were going to face. We should have won that game, but we didn’t.
“Thanks to Argie, they played well but the boys need to execute on those little moments.”
The All Blacks Sevens started their blockbuster semi-final in strong form with Joe Webber and Moses Leo scoring either side of Matteo Graziano to take the lead.
Graziano tied the score at 14 just before halftime and completed a crucial hat-trick in the 11th minute.Day Los Pumas Sevens took the lead for the first time.
The New Zealanders had a lot of the ball late in the game and even had opportunities to score the final play through Regan Ware or Andrew Knewstubb, but it wasn’t to be.
One knock on was the final decision. On that stage, in front of a lively crowd that had to be at least 90% Argentine, the men in black fought bravely.
But Carter said this without any hesitation. “I really like that. I like being hated on the field.
“It energizes me and we love it. So don’t worry about us.”
For All Blacks Sevens fans and the Black Ferns Sevens who lost to Australia on Sunday morning, there is one more title left to be won this season.
Madrid is the final stop in the SVNS series for the 2023/24 campaign, but the Paris Olympics are just a few weeks away. Olympic gold is a big prize that every qualified team desperately wants to win.
“We’ve built well and we can’t ruin that confidence with just one game.
“We will certainly continue to build, and there is still work to be done today.”
Watch all the SVNS Madrid action for free Rugby Pass TV. To watch the Grand Final, register here.
