Chasing pack eager to knock off UQ

Thu, Sep 28, 2017, 6:18 PM
Jill Scanlon
by Jill Scanlon
They're undefeated in three tournaments and with one to go, UQ are hoping it stays that way. Despite already wrapping up the Uni 7s series, captain Sadler said her side wouldn't be taking a backwards step at Bond this weekend.

The final round of the inaugural Aon Uni 7s Series kicks off today at Bond University.

The series, which to a great extent was expected to make or break the momentum which the sport of Sevens had gained over the past year, has definitely achieved the objectives originally laid out - ‘ticking all the boxes’ as the coaches like to say.

While the University of Queensland would seem to have an unassailable eight point lead entering the final tournament, mathematically it could still be possible for Bond University to spoil UQs party.

However, the chances of the current leaders finishing in the bottom few placings this weekend – which is what it would take – are very slim. 

It could be said that UQ has rightly earned the ultimate crown having progressed through the tournament as yet undefeated – winning 15 straight games and consequently the three Uni 7s titles so far.The stage is set for the final leg of the inaugural Aon Uni 7s. Photo: ARU MediaFor those in the chasing pack, this last charge is all important for two reasons.

Firstly, the local players in all of the teams will be looking to impress as the Aussie Sevens senior staff cast a final eye over the future prospects for the national representative program.

Secondly, each of the eight universities will want to finish with a flourish to underline the growth and development of their rugby squads through this inaugural series.

With two second placings and a third in the last round in Brisbane, Bond has the most to prove to shake the bridesmaid tag and to shine in front of the home crowd, which should be substantial for this final hit-out.

Macquarie too knows what is possible, having gone down to UQ in the Brisbane final a fortnight ago by just the one try, in what was a closely fought contest, coming away with its best result to date of a Silver medal.


The Rays welcome back young Aussie talent Dom Du Toit this week after she sat out round three as a precaution following an earlier head knock.

Her impact as both a playmaker and try scorer will be what Macquarie is hoping will get them over the line on Day Two against the big contenders.

Canberra impressed in Brisbane, finishing in the top four, while the other strong performing unit was UTAS, showing some real punch with the inclusion of Aussie veteran Nicole Beck.

The fourth round of this inaugural Women’s Sevens Series looks destined to see either an historic victory or a balancing of the ledger as all eight teams battle to close this first instalment of the new era of Australian Women’s Rugby with a bang.

The final tournament will be played across Friday and Saturday with the first game between UQ and UTAS kicking off at 1.40pm AEST.

The Bond University leg of the Aon Uni7s series kicks off on Friday, September 29, kicking off at 1.40pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on RUGBY.com.au, and RUGBY.com.au Facebook LIVE.

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