Maddison and Teagan Levi have combined for 14 tries in Australia's opening four games at the Paris Olympics as the team progressed to the semi-final against Canada.

But their rugby finesse began in the most unusual place; it was at dance class.

"We did quite a bit of everything, hip-hop, jazz, ballet, lyrical, all of it, you name it,” Teagan said.

"Dancing does help a lot, you have to be on your toes and that's definitely helped quite a lot out there.

"But I'm just lucky to have great teammates who give us some space and the footwork comes along with us."

While Maddison, 22, competed in the Tokyo Games, she has been joined in Paris this week by younger sister Teagan, 20, who is making her Olympic debut. 

"Obviously it's pretty special to play in an Olympics, but being by your sister's side is also very special," Teagan said.

"Getting presented our jerseys by Mum and Dad, they've ridden the highs and lows with us and we wouldn't be where we are without them.

"Working countless hours to take us to different sports - dancing was our main thing at the start - but now Rugby Sevens, so to have them there by our side we wouldn't be where we are without them.”

Teagan said having her big sister in the Australian team in Paris had helped settle any first-Games nerves.

"I just wanted to get my hands on the ball firstly but I think there are a few debutants, and people coming back for their second and third Games so it's really good to see the different levels that our team brings," she said.

"Rugby Sevens is such an amazing thing and we get to travel the world with some of our best mates and we have such a great crew back at home, we all love each other and we're one big family which is what we pride ourselves on."

Reece Homfray