Australia scored 74 points, placing them at the top of Pool C, with the USA following in second position. Australia will take on USA at 11:30 am AEST Friday. 

Australia 48 defeated Japan 0

The Australian Women’s Rugby Sevens started their first day of the Games on a high, defeating Japan 48-0 in a convincing win at Tokyo Stadium.

Charlotte Caslick was the first to kick off Australia’s campaign, scoring just 45 seconds into the match. She was briefly followed by Emma Tonegato, who scored following some brilliant work by Evania Pelite at the breakdown.

Olympic debutant Demi Hayes scored back-to-back tries next before Emma Tonegato crossed again to grab a first-half double, to give Australia a 24-0 lead at the break.

The tone of the second half mirrored that of the first, with Tonegato securing her third for the match.

Head Coach John Manenti then called in reinforcements as Maddison Levi took to the field, on debut for the Australian Sevens. Levi made her mark, scoring two consecutive tries, one on her first touch, in a statement-making win for Australia.

Australia 26 defeated China 10

Australia continued their winning ways on day one, with another victory, this time over China. Australia scored 26 points to China’s 10 in their final match of the day.

While China opened the scoring, Australia quickly struck back through the hands of co-captain Sharni Williams. Charlotte Caslick crossed next for the Australians, adding to her try tally for the day and keeping the Aussies ahead at half-time.

Faith Nathan opened up the scoring for the Australians in the second half, before Maddison Ashby crossed for a try of her own.

China looked to strike back at the Australians with a try from Tang Minglin, however the side left their run too late, as Australia finished on top 26-10.

Australian Women’s Sevens Head Coach John Manenti said: “I’m impressed with the way the girls played today, with two convincing wins over Japan and China.

“We have a challenging game against the USA tomorrow morning; we know they are competitive side. However, the more we play, the more consistent and competitive we will get.

“Our aim tomorrow is to continue to improve and put us in the best position heading into the quarter-finals.

“I’d also like to congratulate those girls who made their debuts for Australia today (Maddison Levi and Tia Hinds), as well as the wider playing group for bringing these girls in seamlessly.”

Harrison Wakeling