Williams returns for Langford

Wed, May 17, 2017, 11:00 PM
Jill Scanlon
by Jill Scanlon
Sharni Williams leaps for the ball. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley
Sharni Williams leaps for the ball. Photo: ARU Media/Stu Walmsley

Aussie Sevens co-captain Sharni Williams headlines four changes to the side for the penultimate World Series leg in Canada.

Williams will be a welcome return adding strength and experience to the contest while Tiana Penitani and Brooke Walker have both earned their spots back in the team.

One of the key inclusions is debutant Cassie Staples who impressed observers with her performances in the development squad earlier in the year when competing in Darwin.

Coach Tim Walsh is excited by the prospect of giving this new young talent some game time at the elite level.

“Cassie is a unique talent, and a perfect example of the kind of athlete we want to unearth during the AON Uni 7s Series later this year,” he said.

“She's fast, tough and agile but also, more importantly, has a real point of difference.” 

 

Kicking goals on a sunday arvo! 🏉🏃 #rugby #rugbysevens #womeninsport #gilbertrugby #nikemercurial

A post shared by Cassie Staples 🏉☉ 🇫🇯 🇦🇺 (@cassiestaples_) on


The Aussies currently sit in second place in the series standings, 10 points adrift of New Zealand with two rounds remaining.

Walsh has underlined the need for the players to perform to the best of their abilities if they want to win the title and threaten the Kiwis for the series crown.

“We’ve got a really strong squad with a great mix of youth and experience,” he said.

“We haven't performed to our standards this season and we have to own that and live with that. So we're fully focused on this tournament.”

Last year the Aussies finished third in Canada with a hard fought win over France, while England dominated New Zealand in the final to win the title.

Australia has been drawn in Pool C with Spain, Ireland and Fiji and will want to stamp its intentions on the first day with three strong wins progressing into the finals day with confidence.

TEAM

Qantas Australian Women’s squad, Langford7s

 

Sharni Williams (c)

 

Demi Hayes

 

Shannon Parry (c) 

 

Tiana Penitani

 

Chloe Dalton

 

Georgina Friedrichs


Charlotte Caslick

 

Brooke Walker

 

Alicia Quirk 


Dominique Du Toit


Emilee Cherry 

 

Cassie Staples


*Shanice Parker (13th player)

  

FIXTURE

Day One – Sunday 28 May

Australia v Spain, 4.36am AEST

 Australia v Ireland, 7.20am AEST

Australia v Fiji, 10.04am AEST

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