RUGBY SEVENS: The dry weather forecast for Rio de Janeiro during of the women’s rugby sevens tournament starting Saturday (local time) could play right into the hands of the Australian team, according to forward Gemma Etheridge.
Despite being mid-winter in Brazil, the host city for the 2016 Olympics is expected to reach around 30 degrees for the three days of competition – ideal for the Australian’s slick, skill and speed-based game.
“It’s beautiful weather, we’ve got some lovely sunshine and the heat reminds me of home [Toowoomba]. It really suits our style of play,” said Etheridge, who has 10 World Series caps to her name. “We love it hot, dry and fast so it will be perfect conditions for us as we love to move the ball around.”
The team looked sharp and in fine fettle during the team’s first training session at the Air Force Club in Rio having spent four days at the Portobello Resort south of the host city.
The 29-year-old added: “We’ve been training to peak at the right time. Everyone is feeling really good, we have one more session to go and we are hitting our straps It’s good to see everything coming along nicely.
“Everyone is fit and healthy and ready to go.”
Etheridge is a little weary of answering questions relating to the serious knee injury picked up in March but it’s hard to ignore the countless hours of rehabilitation she has undergone to put herself in a position to be selected for Tim Walsh’s 12-strong squad for Rio.
“I haven’t any trouble with my knee, it’s not on my mind – in fact, it only is when people ask me about it that it does remind me. There was never any doubt that the hard work behind the scenes wouldn’t be worth it. Just to be back fit is why you do all the work.
“The reward of the Olympics is a nice little bonus.”
Twin sister Nikki Etheridge also doubled as Gemma’s team-mate in the Australian women’s rugby sevens team, last representing her country during the Olympic Qualification period (2014-15 Sevens World Series) in April 2015.
After travelling across South America for the past month, Nikki – a popular member of the squad when part of the program - will end her trip with a visit to Deodoro Stadium to watch Gemma and the rest of the team in action during rugby sevens’ debut at the Summer Olympics.
“Nikki has a been a big part of the journey,” says Gemma. “So it’ll be great to have her, along with the rest of my family, here cheering on the team in Rio.”
The top seeded Australian women’s rugby sevens team kick off their Rio 2016 campaign on day one of the Olympics when they meet Colombia (2.30am AEST) in Pool A, before games against Fiji and the USA.
STEVE STAMMERS
olympics.com.au
