Rugby Sevens made its Olympics debut in Rio this weekend with the likes of New Zealand’s Portia Woodman and Australia’s Charlotte Caslick pushing to become the sport’s first female superstar.
Here is the dream team from the opening day of the Olympic Women’s Sevens:
CAMILLE GRASSINEAU (France)
SHARNI WILLIAMS (Australia)
KAREN PAQUIN (Canada)
CHARLOTTE CASLICK (Australia)
Australia’s women raced out to a 27-0 lead at half-time before putting the foot down in the second half with superstar Charlotte Caslick grabbing a hat-trick. The talented stepper was also able to dot down in the Aussies second game as they convincingly overcame Fiji.
JOANNE WATMORE (Team GB)
On a day where Team GB won both their opening games, centre Joanne Wattmore was the standout figure with her pace and intelligence proving key to the team’s success. She also demonstrated her try-scoring ability by touching down against both Brazil and Japan.
DID YOU KNOW: She is England’s record try-scorer in the history of the World Sevens Series
Kayla McAlister (New Zealand)
Kayla McAlister only started playing rugby four years ago but she shone for the Kwi’s and was probably the player of the round. Two tries in each game mean’s she is joint top try-scorer with teammate Woodman as New Zealand established their dominance on day one.
DID YOU KNOW: Her father Charlie had a successful career in league and union while her brother Luke is a former all Black now plying his trade in Toulouse
Portia Woodman (New Zealand)
The powerful and pacy back is a prolific try-score, starting her Olympic campaign with a bang as she crossed for a hat-trick of tries as New Zealand brushed Kenya aside 52-0. She then added a fourth as the Kwi’s overcame Spain to secure their place in the final eight.