Australia’s women, inspired by returning veteran Sharni Williams, have taken ruthless revenge by dismantling Russia in the Seville Sevens and moving powerfully in sight of another world series triumph.
After they’d raced into the semi-finals, the Australian men followed suit later on Saturday (Sunday morning AEDT) by also reaching the last-four of their event with an impressive win over the USA.
Williams proved the women’s star, leading a merciless seven-try quarter-final demolition of a Russian side who’d ended the Australians’ 15-match winning streak just seven days earlier in Malaga.
“We put our bodies on the line, really proud of that effort,” said Charlotte Caslick, the player of the series so far who once again demonstrated why with a wonderful solo kick-and-chase try to complete the rout.
“It was great to play really well against Russia after last weekend.”
The Russians, with their smaller squad, looked a different, wearier outfit after having ended the Australians’ win streak 29-26 in Malaga.
Faith Nathan runs with the ball during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Seriesmatch between Australia and Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
And they couldn’t cope with the power and nous of 33-year-old Williams, captain of Australia’s 2016 Olympic gold-medal winning team, who finished off two slick moves for scores in the first four minutes.
Her second try, weaving past a couple of red shirts to race over, was the 56th of her distinguished career.
It sparked a deluge, with Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea going over to make it 19-0 at halftime and scores from Madison Ashby, Teagan Levi, Dominique du Toit and Caslick after the break wrapping up a consummate display.
Earlier the Australians, who’d already qualified for the last-eight, had lost their final group match 12-10 against France, despite tries from Caslick and Faith Nathan.
They’ll next meet USA in Sunday’s semi-final with eyes firmly fixed on the prospect of a third world series title of the season following their back-to-back wins in Dubai in November and Decamber of last year.
Like the women, the Aussie men are out to improve on their third-place finish in Malaga, with three wins on a busy day promising much.
Corey Toole scored twice in a 19-7 win over Scotland, before they overpowered Canada 35-12 with tries from Dietrich Roache, Maurice Longbottom, Solomone Vosaicake, Yool Yool and Ben Dowling.
In the quarter-finals, they had to come from 14-5 down as the American star speedsters Carlin Isles and Perry Baker struck from deep following Chris Kuridrani’s opener.
But the Aussies then took control with tries from Nathan Lawson and Josh Turner sandwiching a dazzling and impudent score by the electric Longbottom, who nipped inside two challenges to run nearly the length of the field.
Their 29-14 victory sets up a semi-final with Argentina, while South Africa’s unbeaten streak showed no sign of ending as they beat Scotland 31-24 in their quarter-final.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Its not so much the promotion by Rugby AU, they don't have the $$$ & Ch9/Stan aren't going to promote them as it isn't on Stan but put players up for media/ interviews.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
RA barely promote anything. Let alone a 7’s tournament in the middle of the night. I seemed to recall them going pretty hard (for RA) for the Sydney 7’s once.
The World in Union
Roar Rookie
And the Commonwealth Games 7s are in July/August!
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
The bit I don't understand is if the women 7s are a jewel, (& they should be) why don't Rugby AU promote them. It is seriously very poor, even if they have lost most of their Comms people.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
I would imagine there are $$$ with the 7s program plus it is a full time professional program. A bit of a no brainer unfortunately. Also a bit of a challenge this year to combine 7s and Wallaroos players I think the 7s World Cup is in September and the postponed 15s World Cup is in October.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Womens 7’s and mens 15’s are the jewels. The others just get scraps.
The World in Union
Roar Rookie
Interesting that ALF has chosen 7s over 15s where she's already been a Wallaroo. I wonder if it's because in this country the women's 7s team is in a better place than the women's 15s team. Or because I'm guessing the money is comparable or perhaps even better in 7s than 15s. Or a bit of both. Obviously very different situation to the men's.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Yep Sharni Williams has made difference not just with her size/ strength but as noted about her nous ie footy smarts. It will be very tough against the USA who will be very confident. Just hope Faith Nathan is ok, seemed like she hurt her forearm, we need her speed and she is a tackling demon. Add to that ALF is a sensation. As for the men, they are playing really well, it seems they have changed their game plan a bit - Longbottom is coming on towards the end of the first half, I assume as the opposition tires, which is where his lightening speed & agility comes into play. Credit to the youngsters like Roache, Toole Dowling they are playing beyond their years.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Women will need to muscle up against the big units in the USA side, to this end they look stronger with Williams in the lineup, she brings some starch to go with the team's great ball skills and pace. Making first up tackles key in the next two games. Men looking sharp and have speedsters everywhere.
biltong
Guest
All Blacks did it for 47 matches in succession, Blitzboks has a ways to go yet
The World in Union
Roar Rookie
Sharni Williams is a beast! And Corey Toole is a superstar!
JC
Roar Rookie
The Aussie women were super disappointing against France in their group game — turned over an unbelievable amount of possession. But glad they had a strong QF. The men are definitely looking more cohesive and organised. Best wishes to both teams.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Well done to both teams, well deserved.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Somebody please beat those damn Blitzbokke. It would be good if it was us but somebody needs to do it; you’re not supposed to simply keep winning 7’s
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Great news!