Sydney Sevens Women’s Competition – Fijiana Battle with Aussie Women

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The second round of the HSBC Womens Sevens Series will be played this weekend at the iconic Allianz Stadium, in Sydney. It will be the first time that the Women’s Series will be played in the Australia round of the world circuit. This tournament will be played alongside the Men’s Series, following on from Round One at the Dubai Sevens in December. There is plenty of action to look forward to during the Sydney Sevens Women’s competition, as Fijiana Battle the Aussie Women in Pool B.

There will be 12 teams competing in the Women’s competition, and right now they are all trying to catch New Zealand even though Australia are the reigning series title holders. The Kiwis lead the series after their opening round win in Dubai. For this challenge, teams have brought in reinforcements for the two day event, beginning Friday.

In our coverage of the Sydney Sevens, follow reports from Australia-based writer Chris Duffy, and from Sevens expert Jovilisi Waqa. Looking first at the women’s game, while all three pools will be highly contested, LWOR believe Pool B is where ‘all the action’ will happen.

Fijiana Battle the Aussie Women

Fijiana will give their all in Sydney as they chase a top four finish. They finished fifth in Dubai and will be out to build on that. The Aussies finished second in Dubai and they have their own score to settle against the Kiwis later on with Fijiana their first obstacle.

With two changes from the Dubai squad for both teams they are leaving no stones unturned. Elia Green returns for the Aussies with Evania Pelite. The two teams last met at the Oceania Sevens where Australia ran out as convincing winners.

“We’re really looking forward to playing Fiji in the that last game (on Friday). We seem to play them a lot and they are a great team to play against” Tim Walsh told worldrugby.org.com.

Ireland and Brazil won’t be pushovers as they will be out too with all guns blazing. Plenty of action to look forward to with Lucy Mulhall again leading her ‘Wolfhounds’ pack. On the other hand Beatriz ‘Baby’ Futuro will lead her Brazilian side with Paula Ishabashi.

Pool B: The LOWDOWN

Australia

Emma Tonegato has missed selection for Sydney with an elbow injury, along with Brooke Anderson. Elia Green and Evania Pelite are worthy replacements, as they try to get their 2015/16 title retention back on track.

With Tonegato out, Green brings speed back in the squad. Mahalia Murphy will be physical as always, together with Pelite and Tiana Penitani. Fitness should not be an issue, with the teams well rested and physically and mentally prepared. Elusive Charlotte Caslick will lead the attack, with Chloe Dalton and Alicia Quirk.

In the forwards co-captains Shannon Parry and Sharni Williams will lay the platform. Emilee Cherry, Emma Sykes and Georgina Friedrichs will be their biggest weapon. Williams is especially buoyed this weekend by the large home crowd support, with plenty of women and young girls idolising the team.

“Women’s sport is just growing and growing and we want to be the role models for those girls.”

  • Aussie squad: Shannon Parry, Sharni Williams, Tiana Penitani, Chloe Dalton, Evania Pelite, Georgina Friedrichs, Charlotte Caslick, Alicia Quirk, Emma Sykes, Emilee Cherry, Elia Green, Mahalia Murphy.

Fiji

Iliesa Tanivula has made three changes to his side. After taking the full reigns of the Fijiana side the team continue to excel. With Asinate Savu, Talica Vodo and Jiowana Sauto back in the team its clear the former Kiwi sevens rep is emphasizing strength.

They were found wanting by the English and Canadians in the contact area in Dubai. Savu also gives an added edge in the flanks like Jasa Veremalua does in the Men’s team. The team walloped Japan at the Coral Coast Sevens final but this is the real test.

Ana Maria Roqica again leads the side with seniors Pricilla Siata and Rusila Nagasau. Watch the offloads from Lavenia Tinai, the speed of Tima Ravisa and the big hits from Sauto.

  • Fijiana squad: Asinate Savu, Pricilla Siata, Miriama Naiobasali, Talica Vodo, Merewai Cumu, Jiowana Sauto, Ana Maria Roqica, Viniana Riwai, Tima Ravisa, Rusila Nagasau, Lavenia Tinai, Reijeli Daveua, Ana Maria Naimasi.

Ireland

The Irish spent a week at the Narabeen training grounds of the Aussie Sevens team. They are using the time there to build for the tournament and they look good. Four changes have been made to the side, with Katie Heffernan and Susan Vaughan joining the side. Also in the team for the trip ‘Downunder’ are Chloe Blackmore and Louise Galvin. Missing the trip were Aoife Doyle and Alison Miller.

The Irish will target Fiji while not underestimating the Brazilians. Amee-Leigh Murphy-Crowe will be one to watch, as Ireland use the motivation of their men’s highly successful International squad to give them heart. ‘Go n-eiri an t-adh leat!’

  • Irish squad: Ashleigh Baxter, Chloe Blackmore, Nicole Cronin, Katie Fitzhenry, Kim Flood, Stacey Flood, Louise Galvin, Katie Heffernan, Lucy Mulhall, Emma Murphy, Amee-Leigh Murphy-Crowe, Hannah Tyrell, Megan Williams, Susan Vaughan.

Brazil

Paula Ishibashi makes a timely return for the Brazilians as they eye a good finish. She will spearhead the campaign, with Beatriz Futuro and Isadora Cerullo. Cerullo captured the heart of the world when her girlfriend proposed to her at the Deodoro Stadium; the venue of the Sevens competition at the Rio Olympics. Here she is back to play the game that found her love.

  • Brazilian squad: Luiza Campos, Raquel Kochhann, Beatriz Futuro, Amanda Araujo, Claudia Jaqueline Teles, Isadora Cerullo, Bianca Santos, Mariana Nicolau, Haline Scarut, Edna Santini, Maira Bravo, Paula Isabashi.

Who Will Let it Reign in Pool B?

In all sense it’s the Aussies but don’t count out the Flying Fijians. Ireland will front up, Brazil will test your mantle. When the dust settles though, watch the two Oceania side come out unscathed.

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Debut Sydney Sevens Women’s Competition

Adding to the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series, the debut Sydney tournament will add to the already popular Australian leg. Coming off a poor attended Wellington round, the players and coaches will be delighted. Many had commented how the lack of crowd noise diluted last weekends atmosphere–so in Sydney, expect the crowds to be fun, loud and colourful.

  • Pool A – New Zealand, Canada, France and Papua New Guinea
  • Pool B – Australia, Fiji, Ireland and Brazil
  • Pool C – Russia, England, Spain, United States

Aussie Sevens girls will be celebrated for their success in Rio last year, here in Sydney, but they follow New Zealand on the standings. So expect them to concentrate on that. Fighting hard will be Fijian, Ireland, England, Spain, France Canada and the United States. The women will all turn on a good show, and expect healthy crowds on Friday to rival Day Two and Three of the men’s action.

Click here for all your fixtures of the Sydney Sevens Women’s Competition.

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Follow all the results and updates of the Sydney Sevens from February 3-5 here on Last Word On Rugby, with Chris Duffy and Jovilisi Waqa.

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