Kiwi villain turns to hero as Aussies sunk in Hong Kong Sevens final
Updated . First published
HONG KONG: Australia has had to settle for silver and bronze at the Hong Kong Sevens as New Zealand gun Jorja Miller made amends for a yellow card with two second half tries on Sunday night.
The Aussie youngsters had a window of opportunity when Miller was sinbinned in the first half and it was 12-12 at halftime.
But the former highland dancing star stamped her mark on the women's final in the right way after that as she also won two huge breakdown turnovers in the 26-19 win at a raucous Kai Tak Stadium.
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"I felt like I had to do my bit to help us get back on top," Miller said.
So would Miller be buying the celebratory beers or receiving them?
"No-one unfortunately with Singapore next weekend," she told Wide World of Sports with a beaming smile.
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Jorja Miller (right) at Kai Tak Stadium. Getty
"But I know for sure the likes of Gossy (Sarah Hirini) are going to make me pay my whole pay cheque into the yellow cards...
"The Olympics is the pinnacle of all pinnacles, but man, this crowd out here - it feels like you're playing at home and it's pretty special."
Australia sensation Maddison Levi did all she could in the final with another two tries to extend her record breaking tally.
Levi is the reigning world player of the year but Miller will be in the conversation at the next awards night.
"I want to be the best player in the world," she told WWOS.
"I want to change the game and I'm not afraid to say that. But the calibre of talent that we have across the whole women's game is pretty insane. You have the likes of Maddi who's insane.
New Zealand performs a haka at Kai Tak Stadium. Getty
"We've got Michaela (Brake). Like there's so much talent. It's just unleashing that, but yeah, I work hard."
Australia captain Bella Nasser said she was immensely proud of her young team, playing without talismanic playmaker Charlotte Caslick.
The rivalry with New Zealand was not bitter, she added.
Fireworks are set off after the Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium. Getty
"I don't hate any team. I really respect them as a team," Nasser said.
"I think there's always a rivalry between us that shows but I definitely don't hate them. I really do respect them as it makes me want to play them a bit harder every time."
Coach Tim Walsh was also stressing the positives.
New Zealand and Argentina celebrate. World Rugby
"We are never happy after a loss but as far as losses go, this one won't keep me up worrying," Walsh said.
"The performance from this team against the odds was excellent.
"We won't brush over our review by any means, it is in the detail where we won games and where we were beaten by New Zealand. Many players levelled up their game and what they will take away from the experience will drive the team to a higher level."
Australia's men, meanwhile, took bronze with a thrilling 22-21 victory over Fiji earlier on Saturday.
Teenager Sid Harvey scored the match-winning try to silence a noisy Fijian crowd.
"That was insane, I've been 13th man and watching these boys play so well all weekend," Harvey said.
Sidney Harvey of Australia celebrates his try. Getty
"I'm just glad I caught the ball, it's insane, I'll never forget that moment. It's so special. I've grown up watching rugby sevens and loving sevens.
"Fiji has been a dominant force and I'm very proud of the lads to finish with third."
World series leaders Argentina beat France 12-7 in the men's final.
Sam Worthington travelled to the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific and The Langham
