Du Toit determined to make her mark

Tue, Apr 10, 2018, 9:55 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
The Australian Women's Sevens lined up against the Men's Caloundra Lighthouse side on the Sunshine Coast to hone their Commonwealth Games preparations.

Having watched her teammates win Olympic gold from the sideline in Rio, the fire for Commonwealth Games success burns strong within Dom Du Toit.

The Aussie Sevens flyer has been a fixture in the Australian squad since bursting onto the scene with a brilliant Youth Olympics campaign in 2014 but did not make her World Series debut until April 2016, at the Atlanta Sevens.

She was then in the bittersweet position of being forced to watch on as a reserve in Rio, as her teammates claimed an historic gold.

Two years on, Du Toit is an integral part of coach Tim Walsh's side, the hot favourites to claim gold once again after claiming back-to-back World Series titles to start the season.

"It's very, very exciting," she said.Du Toit has played a big part in Australia's rise back to the top of the World Series. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"I was the reserve in Rio so to be able a part of this team now, is amazing.

"It's been a massive goal of mine and I've always wanted to be a part of it."

The 20-year-old is now a critical part of Australia's push for gold medal glory as a fleet-footed centre and winger, a position she has long yearned for.

"I've been part of the squad for a while now and I think I definitely have earned my spot," she said.

"I've worked very, very hard for it and I think I probably have enough experience now to be a part of that squad without any doubts.Du Toit won't be watching from the sidelines on the Gold Coast. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"At training all the girls inspire me, I look up to them so much.

"So to be able to be part of it here at the Commonwealth Games, I'm beyond excited."

A proud Queenslander, raised in Toowoomba, Du Toit will also cherish whatever result the Australians achieve with the family and friends making the trip to the Gold Coast.

"I've got lots of my family, cousins, heaps of my friends all coming out to watch," she said.

"It will be very exciting and as I said before, it's not much difference on the field but at the end being able to share that result with them - whatever that may be - will be amazing."

The Australian Sevens Commonwealth Games campaign kicks off on Friday afternoon at Robina Stadium, broadcast LIVE on Channel 7.

Share
LIVE from 7:35 pm: Waratahs, Rebels face off in crucial clash
McDermott demands more of Reds' defence as Brumbies blockbuster looms
'We're not here for a holiday' - Fines-Leleiwasa parks Fijian heritage
Liz Patu and Ivania Wong set to become Queensland's all time Women's cap leaders