Australia Women to face Ireland in Cup Semi-Final
The Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens have booked a Cup Semi-Final berth against Ireland tomorrow (Sunday) morning at Spotless Stadium as they look to go back-to-back at the HSBC Sydney 7s.
Australia held off a fast-finishing France 21-17 in their only clash on day two in Sydney, with Ellia Green putting on a defensive masterclass.
The defending champions will now face Ireland at 9.56am AEDT on Sunday, after the Irish made easy work of Spain in their Cup Quarter-Final.
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens coach John Manenti said: “I feel relieved, very much so. France are a quality side and they have been playing well. They are tough and they match up really well against us.
“The conditions weren’t perfect for what we’re trying to do but really happy to get through that. It’s really important from a qualification point of view to try and put some space between us and France who are in the chasing pack, and now we’re at least two points ahead of them,” Manenti said.
Qantas Australian Women’s Sevens back Ellia Green said: “It’s my time to be a senior player and I’m enjoying being the best role model that I can be to the junior players.
“It means everything (to win in Sydney), not only being our home tournament but also our Olympic Qualifying year and just playing in front of the Australian crowd. They are our friends, our family and our fans and they mean the world to us.
“The Irish are very physical, very talented and it’s going to be a battle again so I’m looking forward to it,” Green said.
Australia 21 defeated France 17
A flying Ellia Green showed France that Australia were up for the challenge early in the first half and the hosts found a way to split the stubborn French defence for the opening score of the game. Evanie Pelite broke down the left wing to pass inside for Sariah Paki who offloaded for Emma Sykes to sprint away for a 7-nil lead. Captain Sharni Williams showed some fancy footwork to extend Australia’s lead to 14 but the visitors hit back after the half-time siren to make it 14-5 at the break.
The opening two minutes of the second half proved a tight tussle until a fierce break from Lily Dick gave Australia some scoreboard relief and pushed their lead out to 21-5. Green continued her aggressive defence in the second half, making two huge repeat efforts to force France back but it was ultimately to no avail though as France hit back down Australia’s right edge to narrow the score to 21-10. France continued their momentum off the restart and quickly scored under the posts to leave Australia with a nervy finish but the hosts held strong for a 21-17 win to book their semi-final berth.
The HSBC Men’s Sevens World Series will also continue on Saturday as the Australian Men fight to make it out of Pool D.