Australia has defeated Fiji 35-5 in a performance which was at odds with the two teams’ usually close, tough encounters.
Three emerged as the key number in this match. There were three tries scored in each half with the first half entries being put in by the three ‘Cs’ – Cassie Staples, Chloe Dalton and Charlotte Caslick – to take Australia to the break with a 21-0 lead.
Emilee Cherry was not to be left out, joining Staples in also posting her third try of the tournament.
Fiji pulled one back through Lavenia Tinai but then Demi Hayes made an impact straight off the bench to close out the game.
Chloe Dalton had her kicking radar on converting all her four attempts in what was another emphatic win by Australia, now having posted 76 points for the day and just conceding five.
The big test will come in the final Pool C match when the Aussies take on their hosts France to see which team will top the pool ahead of the quarter-finals.
Australia play France at 3.18am AEST.
Aussies begin Clermont Sevens campaign in emphatic style
Australia has won its first game at the final tournament of the HSBC World Series in Clermont-Ferrand defeating Spain 41-0.
The Aussies bolted out of the gate from the opening kick with two quick tries to Emilee Cherry in the first five minutes topped off with two solid conversions from Emma Sykes, who had the kicking duties, leaving Spain to play catchup.
As the first half progressed, the Spanish were finding it difficult to get the ball out of their own 22 with some strong defensive pressure from Australia.
Cassie Staples scored the Aussies’ third try and proved her form on debut in Canada was just the beginning of a promising future in sevens.
The 19-0 lead at the break was quickly extended by Emma Sykes early in the second half, running in the try and then adding to her points tally in Clermont with her third successful conversion.
Vani Pelite also got back into the rhythm of international play scoring her first on return from an injury layoff.
Staples then scored a second, joining Cherry with a double with Alicia Quirk running in the final try after the siren, taking the full-time score to 41-0.
With strong defence and ball control keeping the opposition scoreless, Australia finished with seven tries from five try scorers making a definite statement of intent to start the weekend in France.
Australia’s next opponent will be Fiji in its second Pool C game at 12.12am AEST.
All matches are being streamed LIVE on WorldRugby.org and World Rugby Facebook.
