Tonegato, Australia make statement as they cruise to victory over Japan

Thu, Jul 29, 2021, 1:52 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Emma Tonegato scored a hat-trick as Australia cruise to victory. Photo: Getty Images
Emma Tonegato scored a hat-trick as Australia cruise to victory. Photo: Getty Images

Australia has sent a message to the rest of the competition as they begin their gold medal defence, thumping Japan 48-0.

Emma Tonegato finished the match with a hat-trick as they cruised to victory, scoring eight tries in the rout.

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Charlotte Caslick set the tempo inside 45 seconds as they burst through the line for the first try of the game.

Tonegato then showed no signs of the injury that plagued her in the build-up as she tormented the Japanese defence.

She would score in the 3rd minute after taking advantage of some slick work by Evania Pelite at the breakdown.

This was followed by a break two minutes later, setting up Olympic debutant Demi Hayes.

The 26-year-old proceeded to barge over the Japanese defence on the siren to gift Australia a commanding 24-0 lead at the break.

With the game already seemingly sowed up, Australia refused to take their foot off the accelerator as Hayes crossed for her second.

The defending gold medalists toyed with the Japanese defence, with Tonegato finishing her hat-trick off after once again combining with Pelite.

As John Manenti rang in the subs, it allowed Sevens debutant Maddison Levi to shine in the final minutes.

The cross-code superstar instantly impressed, bursting down the sidelines to score with her first touch of the ball.

Levi would complete the thumping win as she crossed for a double, with Australia securing a 48-0 win.

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