A pre-match sledge from New Zealand coach Sean Horan has inspired Australia to a first-ever gold medal in the women's rugby sevens at Deodoro Stadium.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Amid wide celebrations from the Australians on full-time following their 24-17 victory of the Kiwis, the inspiration for their win emerged.
After New Zealand's semi-final win over Great Britain, Horan told New Zealand TV: "The Australians don't like pressure, they don't like the physical side."
It angered the Australians no end - and they were determined to make their arch rivals pay.
Fairfax Media was told Australian coach Tim Walsh jumped all over the jibe, and quickly scrawled it on the team whiteboard before the final to serve as motivation for his side.
New Zealand had not beaten Australia since February 2015.
Playing two 10-minute halves for the final instead of the customary seven, the Kiwis took a 5-0 lead midway through the first stanza through a try to Kayla McAlister.
Australia responded minutes later when Emma Tonegato scored in the corner, although replays suggested she had lost control of the ball as it hit the tryline.
Soon after, Australia were in again.
New Zealand's best player, Portia Woodman, received a yellow card and two minutes on the sidelines for a deliberate knock down and with the one-player overlap Australia scored after the halftime siren through Evania Pelite, giving them a 10-5 lead.
After the break, they again used the extra player to efficiency with Ellia Green scoring with six minutes left to play. Chloe Dalton's conversion took them out to a 17-5 lead.
When Charlotte Caslick scored from a quick tap soon after, the final was over and the gold medal was Australia's.
.
.
Congratulations to you Emma & Nicole, you have done your local area proud. It would be great to see you at Spring into Corrimal on the 11th September. 2 local women flying the Wollongong flag on the international stage. Congratulations to all the team. Paul Boultwood, Corrimal
Congratulations girls on winning gold. I was cheering you on at home with my boys. It was an awesome game to watch. Margaret, Warrawong
Congratulations girls. You've done not only the Illawarra proud but also Australia. Such an inspiration for all the young girls out there. Claire Dewhirst, Corrimal
Great game ladies!!! Leonie, 2519
Emma, so proud to hear you have done so well. Paul O'Donoghue, Sydney
Congratulations on your gold winning performance. Lauretta Jackson, Fairy Meadow
Hey congts to the Gong girls and all the squad too Lachlan, Macallan, Marilisa Calders, Balgownie
A massive congratulations to you both and to all Australian Olympians. You have all done our country, Australia and the Illawarra, so proud. Congratulations XXX Phil and Karen, Albion Park
Congratulations Emma on winning GOLD at the Olympics. We remember you as a great Touch Footballer. We are so proud of your achievements! Rosie & Dori Meta & family, Cordeaux Heights
Fantastic love watching Te rugby 7's Leanne Wright, Balgownie
congrats from woonona Fred, Woonona
Congrats girls.Wonderful to watch your matches and bring home gold.woo hoo Rose Attwood, Albion Park
Congratulations Emma and Nicole. So proud of what you have achieved, an inspiration to many of us in Wollongong area, especially the aspiring youths and children in the region. Song and Yook, Cordeaux Heights
Congrats to womens 7's team. Such speed, agility and grunt. Very exciting game for specatators and can't wait to go to a live match. Kerrie and Lawrence Smith, Thirroul
great stuff. put the men to shame with your game James, Austinmer
Well done ladies, it was a pleasure to watch Bob Ognenovski, Mt Keira
