Australia’s women’s sevens have set up a quarter-final with Fiji at the Central Coast Sevens, after cruising through the opening day.
The Aussies didn’t concede a single try in their three pool games, and were on track for a semi-final with the Fijians, before the latter were shocked by a local side on Saturday.
One of the biggest positives for the Aussies on day one was the return of stars Shannon Parry and Emma Tonegato
“Emma’s first involvement was a huge tackle with her left shoulder,” he said.
“It’s probably best tackle I’ve ever seen her do and then she scored a few tries.
“Shannon was at her usual ruck menace, being annoying and stealing the ball - she even went 60 metres for a try.
“They’re consummate professionals, it’s hard coming back from an injury let alone an offseason and preseason really pleasing to see them play and play well.”
Katie Harrison had an early scare, going to hospital after a hit in the opening game and is set to undergo scans early next week to ensure there is no more serious damage.
Though they had a cruisy opener to the tournament, Walsh said they would be fully tuned up for the quarter-final.
“We’re fully aware of the challenge,” he said.
“We go into every game with full respect for the opposition.
“We’re focused on preparing well and playing as hard as we can, it doesn’t make any difference to us whatsoever.
“It just proves the standard of the whole competition, it’s growing every year.
“Looking at al lthe teams, I knew all the players and where they’re at and that’s at a high level.
“There are club, invitational teams, littered with rep players and girls with heaps of experience but it just the quality of the competition and the quality of the players currently playing
Australia takes on Fiji in its quarter-final on Sunday at 10am AEDT.
RESULTS
Australia - West Harbour 47-0
Australia - UQ 34-0
Australia - Central North 61-0
