Canada beats United States in Sydney Sevens women's final

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:57 p.m. ET

SYDNEY (AP) Rio Olympic bronze medalists Canada defeated the United States 21-17 to win the IRB Sydney women's rugby sevens tournament on Saturday.

Despite three tries from American Naya Tapper, it was late try from Canada's Bianca Farella that sealed the win.

The all-North American final was set up by two big upsets in the semifinals. Canada beat Olympic gold medal-winning Australia 12-7 just after the U.S., led by Leyla Alev Kelter's two tries, defeated New Zealand 19-12.

New Zealand beat Australia 19-0 for third place.

Ellia Green scored an early try to put Australia ahead in the semifinal, but Canada took advantage of numerous infractions by the hosts to advance to the final. Canada's Brittany Bell shook off two tacklers to score for a 12-7 lead just before halftime, and a strong Canadian defense prevented any Australian scoring in the second half.

In first-day men's action, England and New Zealand were the only teams to win all three of their opening matches to qualify for Sunday's quarterfinals.