Aussies to draw on Rio success on Gold Coast

Thu, Mar 15, 2018, 8:45 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
The Aussie Men's and Women's sides have been unveiled ahead of next month's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. It will be the first time the Women have competed at the event, while them men are looking to improve on the bronze they won in Glasgow

The Australian Women's Sevens side will draw on their Rio Olympics success to try and replicate the result at next month's Commonwealth Games.

The countdown is now on to the Women's Sevens debut at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, with coach Tim Walsh naming his squad on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at the unveiling of the squad, co-captain Sharni Williams said the team would look back to 2016, where they entered the Rio Olympics under similar circumstances - as red hot favourites.

"Coming off the back of Rio, we have had some time to prepare and to look back on what worked for us," Williams said.

"We are trying to take that into the Commonwealth Games and preparation is key for us there.Sharni Williams and Shannon Parry will lead Australia's Commonwealth Games charge. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"With the team being announced today it's down to business.

"For four years we prepared for Rio and in the back of our minds, the Commonwealth Games.

"It's starting to kick in now."

Having won back-to-back World Series titles to start the year, Australia are now the hunted once more.

Rather than shirk the tag after a year of chasing New Zealand as the clear team to beat, Walsh embraced the expectations.

"We actually prefer it," Walsh said.Tim Walsh is embracing Australia's favourite tag. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley"We embrace it and we want that label.

"We certainly don't take it for granted and we want to go out there and perform."

There will be no lack of motivation, either, with Williams emphasis the importance of the tournament in furthering the standing of Sevens in the current sporting landscape.

"When you play on home soil, the first ever Commonwealth Games for us, and we have a gold medal in the back of our pocket from Rio - what else can you do to get up and get excited to go out there and play for your country?" she said.

"This is massive for us, being role models.

"We never had role models to look up to in this game and now that we are those role models, the examples that we are setting are hard work but when you've put your mind, body, everything you've got into something, good things happen.

"You can get a Commonwealth Gold, an Olympic Gold.

"You can inspire young girls to do what they want to do."

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