Australia 7s take winning formula to Cape Town
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian Sevens coaches Tim Walsh and Liam Barry have named their squads for the second round of the HSBC SVNS series at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Fresh after winning their fifth-straight title in Dubai, Walsh has made one change to his team with Demi Hayes to return home following her first tournament back from an ACL injury.
Young gun Mackenzie Davis will come in for a potential debut after an impressive Next Gen Sevens tournament in October, Walsh blooding a fourth debutant already this season.
The 19-year-old Burraneer product has come from a touch football background before taking up Rugby 7s two years ago.
She has been part of the Australia A team throughout 2024 and was part of the victorious Australian U18 team at the Youth Commonwealth Games and Global Youth 7s.
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Australia Women’s Sevens coach Tim Walsh said: “Statistically it was one of our best tournaments in Dubai and to win well with three players on debut is a testament to the program and demonstrates the depth of talent coming through.
“We have a much more mature team now and a very balanced leadership group. A great way to kick off the new season.”
Meanwhile, Barry has named an unchanged squad following their seventh-place finish in Dubai.
The newly-appointed Australian coach will once again leave the sideline duties to National Performance Manager Scott Bowen in Cape Town as he navigates a transition from his previous employment.
Both Barry and Bowen will be looking for an improved performance from their side in the final event before Christmas.
Henry Hutchison will captain the team for a second tournament with last week’s debutants Aden Ekayanake and Sid Harvey retaining their spots.
The tournament will also be the final one for two-time Olympian Nathan Lawson, who will depart the Sevens program following the Cape Town event.
National Performance Manager Scott Bowen said: “The team was disappointed with some of the results in Dubai but were pleased with how we progressed as the tournament went on and we’ll take those positives into Cape Town.
“It’s a new-look squad with some fresh faces and young talent and they’ll be better for the run together.
“Cape Town is an amazing place to play and we’re looking forward to the experience of playing again at Cape Town Stadium.”
The second round of the HSBC SVNS will see a new competition format with 12 teams in four pools of three teams with the pool winners advancing directly to semi-finals and a chance to reach the medal podium in Cape Town.
Australia’s Men have been drawn into Pool B alongside Dubai finalists Spain and Kenya while the Aussie Women are in Pool A with matches against Canada and Brazil in the regular rounds.
Australia Women’s Sevens: 3 Faith Nathan, 4. Mackenzie Davis, 5 Teagan Levi, 7 Charlotte Caslick, 9 Tia Hinds, 10 Isabella Nasser, 12 Maddison Levi, 13 Heidi Dennis, 14 Bridget Clark, 15 Kahli Henwood, 23 Ruby Nicholas, 28 Kiiahla Duff, 65 Sariah Paki
Australia Men’s Sevens: 1 Henry Hutchison, 2 Ben Dowling, 3 Henry Palmer, 6 Henry Paterson, 7 James McGregor, 9 Matt Gonzalez, 10 Ben Dalton, 12 Nathan Lawson, 14 James Turner, 15 Sid Harvey, 23 Aden Ekanayake, 25 Hayden Sargeant, 87 Micheal Icely
