Tonight’s win saw the Aussie Stingers finish second in their group, which will see them meet ROC in the quarter finals on Tuesday 3 August.

While the Aussie Stingers got off to a rocky start tonight, they were able to rally and build momentum to take control of the game.

Captain and three-time Olympian Rowie Webster was pleased her side is through to the quarter finals but admits there are areas they will want to improve on.

“It’s nice we’re through to the next phase. We didn’t execute the way we wanted, but sometimes those games happen and you’ve just got to make sure you move on and be positive about the next one,” said Webster.

South Africa made their debut in water polo at the Olympic Games and while they failed to notch up a win, Webster said they will be one’s to watch at future Games.

“Any team that comes here to the Olympic Games gives their best, doesn’t matter the result.

“It is a great privilege to play those girls, they are a young side and they are only going to get better,” she said.

The Aussies will now play the ROC, both sides meeting many times over the years including at the Rio Olympic Games where Australia was able to deliver a strong win.

“ROC are a really good team.  They are fast, they like to swim, they have great centre forwards, great outside shooters so you never know what you’re going to get.

“We need to go back and review our tactics… we haven’t played them in a long time, but we’ll give it our best shot and hopefully get the win.

“This Olympics has shown that anyone can be beaten. The world's best are being beaten by countries you might not have thought would challenge them so I just think that shows the standard of water polo that is here at the Tokyo Olympics,” said Webster.

Australia will now face ROC on Tuesday 3 August at 8:50pm AEST.

Results
Group A, AUSTRALIA 14 SOUTH AFRICA 1
Quarters: 1-1, 6-0, 4-0, 3-0.
Shots: AUS: 14/38. RSA: 1/12.
Pens: AUS: 0/2

Lauren Ryan