Australia wins Sao Paulo Sevens

Sun, Feb 21, 2016, 11:00 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman

The Australian Women’s Sevens have continued their perfect 2015-16 record, beating Canada 29-0 in Sao Paulo.

After taking the opening 2015-16 Dubai tournament undefeated, the Aussies entered Brazil as the number one ranked team and lived up to their billing with another clean sweep.

In brutal conditions, the Aussies were pushed out of their comfort as the rain fell hard in Brazil in a bruising encounter against the Canadians.

After a five-minute deadlock, it was Evania Pelite who drew first blood for Australia continuing her strong run of World Series form.

Pelite’s runaway try put the Aussies in control early in the match, before an Alicia Quirk five-pointer stretched the lead to 14-0 at half-time.

Emilee Cherry showed some dominance in the second, getting on the end of an opportunistic attacking passage to score Australia’s third.

Veteran Nicole Beck clinched another, slipping through a gap before winger Ellia Green used her strength to beat three defenders and seal the win for her side.

The victory continued Australia’s unbeaten run through the tournament and gives them a perfect record in Cup finals this season, as the Rio Olympics nears.

Australia finished top of its pool on day one, after beating Canada, Fiji and Ireland in their opening matches, setting up a final eight rematch against Fiji.

Winning that quarter-final 10-0, Australia went on to beat USA 34-0 with a star turn from Ellia Green in that match.

The final capped off a gruelling day for all the teams as the stadium was pelted with rain.

Australia coach Tim Walsh said he felt his team adapted to the conditions through the day.

“We started a bit slow this morning (against Fiji) and played one of our worst games but when it counted we really stood up," he said.

“We worked hard on our strategy in terms of the conditions but you never know what you’re going to get.

“We have strong strategy towards wet weather but we’re a good team and we want to be able to be a good team in all conditions."

Walsh had plenty of praise for Pelite and Green after their outstanding turns in the tournament.

"Evania has been incredible, the game yesterday against Canada she made 11 tackles which is an amazing effort," he said.

"Her attack and ability mixed in with her defence has put in that top class of players on the World Series. 



“Ellia Green added that dimension of power, pace and unpredictability and she was again another asset to us today."

Australia will stay in Brazil after the tournament to visit the Rio ahead of August’s Olympics, with their next tournament in Atlanta on April 8-9.


Back to back - 🇦🇺 congrats girls winning in São Paulo

A photo posted by Scott Bowen (@scottbowen101) on

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