0
Fri, May 24, 2024, 5:57 AM
Nathan Williamson
Australia Women's Sevens captain Charlotte Caslick has been named to return for the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid.
Caslick missed the event in Singapore as she dealt with niggling injuries and is joined in the squad by young gun Bienne Terita.
Catch every game of SVNS World Series LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.
Their returns offset the loss of Madison Ashby and Lily Dick, who have both gone into surgery for ACL injuries.
Sharni Smale remains sidelined after having surgery to remove her gallbladder, set to return for pre-Olympics events alongside Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea.
"The journey continues and the enjoyment we derive from having a real purpose keeps us thriving," women's coach Tim Walsh said.
"Madrid serves up another opportunity to perform, learn and prepare ourselves against the world’s best.
"The world’s most experienced player returns in Charlotte Caslick and also speed and power merchant Bienne Terita.
"The prospect of a shootout with the top eight teams in the world provides prestige and an excitement never experienced before."
As for the men, coach John Manenti has made several changes to the side from Singapore.
Wallabies legend Michael Hooper is out as he deals with a niggling injury as they manage the star's workload, with Waratah Teddy Wilson (concussion) also on the sidelines.
Matt Gonzalez and Josh Turner return from injury, whilst Dally Bird and Tim Clements come into the squad.
"We head into the World Series Final excited about the new format and our first trip to Madrid," men's coach John Manenti said. "The team has prepared well and are keen to have a crack at the best teams on the circuit.
"We welcome back Matt Gonzalez and Josh Turner from injuries, as well as Dally Bird and Tim Clements coming in on the back of consistent performances on the training paddock.
"Our pool is as tough as ever with league champions Argentina, France and Great Britain."
The Aussie Women kick off against Ireland before clashes with Fiji and France in Pool Championship B while the Men’s side face France, Great Britain and Argentina in Pool Championship A.
Australia Women’s Sevens team for HSBC SVNS 2024 Grand Final:
3. Faith Nathan
4. Dominique Du Toit
5. Teagan Levi
7. Charlotte Caslick (c)
8. Kaitlin Shave
9. Tia Hinds
10. Bella Nasser
12. Maddison Levi
14. Bridget Clark
22. Bienne Terita
23. Ruby Nicholas
65. Sariah Paki
98. Sidney Taylor
Australia Men’s Sevens team for HSBC SVNS 2024 Grand Final:
1. Henry Hutchison
2. Ben Dowling
4. Dietrich Roache
5. Tim Clements
6. Henry Paterson
7. Josh Turner
8. Dally Bird
9. Matt Gonzalez
10. Nick Malouf (c)
12. Nathan Lawson
14. James Turner
25. Hayden Sargeant
87. Michael Icely
HSBC SVNS GRAND FINAL MADRID – AUSTRALIA WOMEN
Pool Championship B
Friday, May 31
Australia v Ireland - 7:51pm (WST)
Saturday, June 1
Australia v Fiji - 6:22pm (WST)
Australia v France - 9:27pm (WST)
HSBC SVNS GRAND FINAL MADRID – AUSTRALIA MEN
Pool Championship A
Saturday, June 1
Australia v France - 1:05am (WST)
Australia v Great Britain - 11:27pm (WST)
Sunday, June 2
Australia v Argentina - 3:17am (WST)