Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 12:46 PM
Nathan Williamson
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https://www.rugby.com.au/news/rugby-...review-2024723
Australia's women's Sevens side heads to Paris with redemption on their mind as they chase a second Olympic gold medal.
Tim Walsh's side heads into the Olympics off a shock quarter-final exit in Tokyo.
Watch every Rugby Sevens match from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ad-free, live and on demand in 4K on Stan Sport and live on Nine and 9Now.
Since then, they have been dominant, taking out the Commonwealth Games, Sevens World Cup and most recently the SVNS Grand Final.
They open their campaign against South Africa on July 29 (midnight), before facing Great Britain (3:30 am) and Ireland (10:30 pm) to finish their pool stages.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the women's Rugby Sevens competition
WHEN DO AUSTRALIA WOMEN'S SEVENS SIDE PLAY AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS?
The Australia women's Sevens campaign will begin on July 29 against South Africa (9:30 pm AWST) at Stade de France.
This will be followed by a clash with Great Britain (1:30 am) before taking on Ireland (8:30 pm)
If they manage to finish in the top two or as one of the two highest-ranked third-place finishes, they will qualify for the quarter-finals.
A first-place group finish would likely set up a clash with the best finishing third-place team whilst finishing second would likely see them face either Japan or USA
Meanwhile, finishing third would mean they would face the winners of Pool A or B, likely New Zealand or France.
AUSTRALIA WOMEN'S SEVENS SCHEDULE
Pool B: Australia v South Africa, Monday July 29 at 9:30 am (AWST)
Pool B: Australia v Great Britain, Monday July 29 at 1:30 am (AWST)
Pool B: Argentina v Ireland, Monday July 29 at 8:30 pm (AWST).
WHO IS IN AUSTRALIA WOMEN'S SEVENS PARIS OLYMPIC SQUAD?
Profiles- https://www.olympics.com.au/games/paris-2024/team/
1. Bienne Terita
2. Sharni Smale
3. Faith Nathan
4. Dominique Du Toit
5. Teagan Levi
6. Sariah Paki
7. Charlotte Caslick (c)
8. Kaitlin Shave
9. Tia Hinds
10. Isabella Nasser
11. Maddison Levi
12. Bridget Clark
Reserves: Kahli Henwood and Sidney Taylor
AUSTRALIA WOMEN'S SEVENS SQUAD PREVIEW
THE CAPTAIN
Charlotte Caslick remains one of the best players in the world and looms key towards Australia's success.
Caslick has been pivotal towards the success of the program in bringing through a new generation of Sevens talent to success.
For Australia to succeed, Caslick needs to take responsibility as the main playmaker and dictate the contest.
THE X-FACTOR
Maddison Levi continues to break records as one of the best finishers the sevens circuit has ever seen.
In three years on the SVNS circuit, Levi has amassed an incredible 152 tries, sitting second behind Caslick.
Levi will carry Australia's hopes as the chief try-scorer and weapon on the wing.
THE RETIRING LEGEND
Sharni Smale leaves an incredible legacy as she prepares to depart Sevens.
Smale is heading to her third Olympics and will be looking to finish on a high.
She is joined by Dom du Toit, who is chasing her own Olympic success after travelling to Rio as a reserve.
WHO DO AUSTRALIA WOMEN'S SEVENS PLAY IN THE GROUP STAGES?
SOUTH AFRICA
Tokyo 2020 Finish: N/A
Last time we played: Australia 28 - 9 Argentina (Hong Kong 2024)
South Africa are coming off a tough year as they hunt for a maiden win over Australia.
They finished 11th in the SVNS World League and were relegated after defeat to China in Madrid.
However, their sixth place finish in Los Angeles proves their quality on their day.
GREAT BRITAIN
Tokyo 2020 Finish: Fourth (Defeat to France in the semi-finals)
Last time we played: Australia 44 - 0 (Singapore 2024)
Great Britain are eager to go one better in 2024 after a strong display in Tokyo.
They snuck into the top eight in the SVNS World League but are out for back-to-back semi-final appearances at the Olympics.
GB holds a win over Australia this year, defeating them 19-12 in Perth.
IRELAND
Tokyo 2020 Finish: N/A
Last time we played: Australia 33 - 14 Ireland (Madrid 2024)
Australia and Ireland have built a fierce rivalry in 2024, beginning with Ireland's upset win in the Perth Final.
It was the Irish's first title on the SVNS circuit but a defeat that awoke the Australians to their threats, winning their past four matches by an average of 24 points.
Paris is the first time Ireland will compete at the Olympics after missing qualification in the opening two events.
WHO ARE THE MAIN CONTENDERS FOR GOLD AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS RUGBY SEVENS?
NEW ZEALAND
Tokyo 2020 Finish: Winners (defeated France)
New Zealand and Australia have been neck and neck since the last Olympics.
The Kiwis claimed the League Winners title after multiple event victories, before going down to the Aussies in the semi-finals.
Legends Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Tyla King (née Nathan-Wong) will play in their final Sevens event before their retirement
FRANCE
Tokyo 2020 Finish: Runners Up (defeated by NZ)
France have been the bridesmaids of the past years but have the home crowd backing to produce something special.
They have been defeated three times in Grand Finals in 2023/24, including going down to Australia in Madrid.
The hosts will be buoyed by the emotional support, with the likes of Caroline Drouin, Camille Grassineau and Séraphine Okemba their big threats
USA
Tokyo 2020 Finish: Sixth (defeated by GB in the quarters)
USA have the physical presence to cause a serious boilover in Paris.
The Americans have performed below expectations in 2023-24, finishing fourth in the league despite a finals appearance in Hong Kong.
Superstar Ilona Maher leads the line in the quest for a maiden medal.
