After opening their season in stellar fashion with a win in Dubai, the Aussie Women’s Sevens have arrived in Cape Town to continue their world title defence.
Three players from the Women’s team were named in Dubai’s Dream Team: the tournament’s top try-scorer Maddison Levi, Player of the Final Madison Ashby, and Faith Nathan.
In lieu of an injured Tia Hinds, the squad has welcomed Faythe Manera into the fold, who was integral to the success of the Australia A team, who also enjoyed a victory in Dubai at the Open International tournament.
“Our performance in Dubai was an excellent way to begin the Olympic qualifying season – not because of the win, but because of the way we won,” said Tim Walsh, Head Coach of the Women’s team.
“The tournament showcased some of the best Rugby I have ever seen this team play. The variety, skill, and strategy they displayed was unrivalled.
“Lily Dick has returned to Australia on the advice of our medical staff, and this week we debut Isabella Nasser, a product of the pathway system and the Australia A program.
“We are enjoying our time in Cape Town – it holds very fond memories for this team. All our preparations are on track and we are ready to perform!”
The Women’s team will take on Ireland, Spain and South Africa in their Pool matches on Friday in Cape Town, while the Men’s team will compete against the USA, Uganda and Great Britain.
After a challenging weekend in Dubai, the Men’s team sees two changes to the squad with captain Nick Malouf and rookie Kye Oates both ruled out due to injury.
Youth Olympic Games winner and Athletics World Cup Bronze Medallist Trae Williams returns to the squad, having last competed with the team back in 2020.
Manly Colts player Dally Bird will also join the squad in South Africa and is expected to make his debut for Australia alongside Jordan-Lee Bacon.
“Even though we got the win in Hong Kong, we lacked consistency last week,” said John Manenti, Head Coach of the Men’s team.
“The players have redoubled their efforts over the past few days and are hungry for the challenges that lie ahead this weekend.
“We have several new additions to the squad, and we’re looking forward to seeing what these young guns can do.”
The competition kicks off with the Aussie Women taking on the host South African side, at 10:50pm AEDT.
The matches will be broadcasted live and on-demand via BeIN Sports and Kayo Sports.
Australian Sevens Squads for Cape Town:
Women
Charlotte Caslick (Co-captain)
Demi Hayes (Co-captain)
Madison Ashby
Isabella Nasser*
Dominique Du Toit
Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea
Maddison Levi
Teagan Levi
Faith Nathan
Sariah Paki
Bienne Terita
Sharni Williams
Faythe Manera*
Men
Dally Bird*
Tim Clements
Stu Dunbar
Matt Gonzalez
Henry Hutchison (Captain)
Nathan Lawson
Jordan Lee-Bacon*
Maurice Longbottom
Ben Marr
Henry Paterson
Dietrich Roache
Josh Turner
Trae Williams
*Denotes uncapped player
