Walsh set to unleash Shave as Australians confirm squads for snowy Vancouver

Thu, Mar 2, 2023, 12:57 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Here's what makes the perfect Sevens Player

The Australian Sevens sides are set to blood some new faces as they prepare for this week's event in Vancouver on March 4-6.

Tim Walsh has been forced into two changes from the squad that finished fifth in Sydney, with co-captain Demi Hayes (back) and Sharni Williams (leave) remaining in Sydney.

Catch all the action of the World Series LIVE on Kayo and BEIN Sports

This paves the way for Queensland flyer Kaitlan Shave to make her Australian debut.

Shave has arguably been the MVP of the AON Next Gen Sevens with 19 tries in her last 12 games as the Reds dominate the competition.

She is joined by fellow pathways prodigy Bella Nasser, who debuted in Cape Town at the end of last year.

The Australians sit second on the World Series standings, slated to open their campaign against Japan (March 4, 4:15 am AEDT).

They will conclude their group stages with clashes against Spain (10:30 am) and France (March 5, 5:22 am), with Walsh out for a response.

"I am quietly confident about where we are as a squad now and going forward,” said Walsh. “Yes, we would prefer to be winning the Series, but our current situation has delivered an opportunity for us to respond accordingly. 

“We have a vision for sustained success and that requires maintaining a competitive advantage, peaking at the right events, and building a world-class program.

“Vancouver is an incredible location for us to entertain, represent and perform. Our debutant Kaitlin Shave has demonstrated her speed and reliable defence in the Australia A and AON Next Gen Series, and we welcome her to the squad.”

As for the Men's side, they have made one change as James Turner continues to deal with a calf problem.

He will be replaced by Jordan Williams as they look to build off their fourth place finish in LA, kicking off their tournament against invitational side Chile (March 4, 9:07 am).

This will be followed by matches against hosts Canada (4:03 pm) and Ireland (March 5, 9:57 am) in a rematch of last week's quarter-final.

“Through adversity comes growth, and that’s exactly what the group experienced in LA,” said captain Stu Dunbar.

“It was pleasing to see the newer boys take the opportunities they were given and show some real improvement.

“After some time well spent at In-N-Out Burger, the challenge now is to use these learnings from the weekend and put them into practice in Vancouver.”

Every match will be broadcast live on beIN Sports, available via Foxtel, Kayo and beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Australian Sevens Squads for Vancouver

Men's

Stu Dunbar (C)

Dietrich Roache

Tim Clements

Henry Paterson (VC)

Josh Turner

Dally Bird

Matt Gonzalez

Maurice Longbottom (VC)

Nathan Lawson

Jordan Williams

Trae Williams

Darby Lancaster

Hayden Sargeant

Women's

Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea

Maddison Levi

Faith Nathan 

Bienne Terita

Isabella Nasser

Charlotte Caslick (C)

Tia Hinds

Sariah Paki

Teagan Levi

Madison Ashby

Kaitlin Shave*

Dominique Du Toit 

Lily Dick  *Denotes debutant

Australian Sevens Vancouver Schedule

*All times AEDT

Men

Saturday, March 4

Australia Men v Chile Men, 9:07 am

Australia Men v Canada Men, 4:03 am

Sunday, March 5

Australia Men v Ireland Men, 9:57 pm

Women

Saturday, March 4

Australia Women v Japan Women, 4:15 am

Australia Women v Spain Women, 10:30 am

Sunday March 5

Australia Women v France Women, 5:22 am

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