All to play for on final day

Mon, Aug 8, 2016, 12:43 AM
Chris Ford
by Chris Ford
A less convincing day for Australia with a shock draw against the USA before clicking into gear against Spain in the quarter-finals. Chloe Dalton speaks to the media ahead of their semi-final against Canada.

After four years of preparation, Australia are through to the final four at the Olympic Games with a do-or-die semi-final against Canada on Tuesday morning (3.30am AEST).

It didn't all go Australia's way on day two though with United States of America rattling Tim Walsh's side, with the tournament favourites scraping a 12-all draw thanks to a converted try after full-time.

USA nearly pulled off the upset of the Games with their physicality unsettling Australia and providing a blueprint for all future oppositions. 

"We had a slow start against the USA," Australia's Chloe Dalton said after day two.

"Probably not our best performance this morning but giving credit to the USA, they came out and they performed well."

"We picked it up in the afternoon and it was good to get a convincing win over Spain."

The quarter-final against Spain was a vastly different affair with Australia coasting to a 24-0 win, with Tim Walsh pulling off five of his stars in the second half to rest up for the Canada clash.

Charlotte Caslick continued her fine Olympic campaign with a double while Ellia Green and Emma Tonegato also scored in the four-try rout.

Canada saw off a spirited France 15-5 in their quarter-final to setup a blockbuster semi against Australia.

"It’s a really tough competition," Dalton said.

"Tomorrow is going to be a massive day with two big semi-finals coming up."

Canada are one of just two sides that beat Australia in the 2015/16 World Series, after their 29-19 win in the final of the France leg.

In the other semi-final, New Zealand will take on Great Britain after they beat USA and Fiji respectively.


Olympic semi-final draw

Australia v Canada (3.30am AEST)

New Zealand v Great Britain (4am AEST)

Third placed playoff (7.30am AEST)

Gold medal match (8am AEST)

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