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![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
COACH Tim Walsh has stuck with his co-captaincy model as Australia’s women’s sevens team attempt to translate their world champion status into Olympic gold in Rio.
Hard working forwards Sharni Williams and Shannon Parry co-captain the 12-strong squad that includes gamebreakers Emilee Cherry, Charlotte Caslick and Ellia Green.
Youngster Tiana Penitani was overlooked.
“It’s so surreal for all of us and I don’t think it will really sink in that we’re going to be Olympians,” Williams said.
“Our goal is to go to Rio and win gold and it is something we speak about every day.
“The world series win has certainly given us the confidence to achieve that goal.
“We are with each other 24/7 and everyone really gets along and gels with each other.
“We have a great belief in one another and know each player brings something unique to the team.
“Parry is a workhorse, Caslick has great footwork, Green is super quick — we know what each player’s strengths are and we use them to our advantage.”
The women’s competition kicks off on August 6.
Australia will head to Rio as top seeds and will play the United States, Fiji and Colombia in Pool A.
“The tournament in Rio is about who is the best on the day and not who has gone the best all season,” Parry said.
“It’s a whole different ball game in Rio with the competition being across three days instead of two which should ensure a more exciting style of rugby as we have a little bit more time to recover.
“It will be a massive challenge and a lot will depend on the rub of the green in Rio.”
Meanwhile, sevens stalwart Ed Jenkins will captain Australia’s men’s team in Rio.
In addition to Jenkins, James Stannard, Cam Clark and Pat McCutcheon bring a wealth of international experience while world series rookie of the year Henry Hutchison is expected to shine on sport’s greatest stage.
There is no room for Wallabies Quade Cooper and Nick Cummins while Henry Speight was not considered due to injury.
Forward Sam Myers was also overlooked.
The men finished this season’s world series in fourth place — its best finish in six seasons.
“A gold medal has been our ambition for a while now and that was reinforced at the start of the year when Friendy (coach Andy Friend) came in to take over the side,” Jenkins said.
“Looking at the team we have for Rio it will definitely be the strongest we have fielded all year.”
The men’s competition kicks off on August 9 at Deodoro Stadium.
Australia is drawn alongside world No 2 South Africa but 23-year-old Tom Cusack said they weren’t the only threat in pool play.
“France have been getting better and better throughout the year with a host of handy players in their squad, Spain had to beat some tough teams to get the final spot at the Games and South Africa have been fantastic all year and they finished second in the overall world series,” Cusack said.
Women’s squad: Shannon Parry (co-captain), Sharni Williams (co-captain), Nicole Beck, Charlotte Caslick, Emilee Cherry, Chloe Dalton, Gemma Etheridge, Ellia Green, Evania Pelite, Alicia Quirk, Emma Tonegato, Amy Turner
Men’s squad: Ed Jenkins (captain), Cam Clark, Tom Cusack, Allan Fa’alava’au, Con Foley, Lewis Holland, Henry Hutchison, Nick Malouf, Pat McCutcheon, Jesse Parahi, John Porch, James Stannard
http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/r...2a22ed27ccccf9
Does that mean that the Badger is a free agent again now?
Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
Good to see chucky's name there.
Generally speaking you aren’t learning much if your lips are moving!!!
Unfortunately the jerseys are kind of butt...
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They would look a whole lot better on Tiana![]()
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
I dunno if even Tiana could save those.
They look like some of the old hockey uniforms
WARNING - Controversial comments follow:
I don't know why Sevens, golf, basketball or tennis are even in the olympics.
Wish they'd wear the proper Aussie green.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
Agree with those - the Olympics is just another competition for those sports, not the pinnacle of achievement. Might add road cycling, as winning Olympic gold would probably be considered similar to winning one of the major single day races, but a long way behind winning one of the Tours.
I'd keep Soccer, but strictly enforce the age limit (23?) - no overage players for either men or women. The Olympics would then be a junior World Cup, and the pinnacle they can achieve.
Boxing can stay, as it's the pinnacle for amateur boxing; but if they thought about making it open to professionals, it'd be out, too
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon