It’s hard to be too critical after a first day outing with no tries conceded, but the Aussie women’s sevens team will hope to tighten a few things for day two.

Overall, they punished their fellow Pool A sides on both flanks and down the middle, attacking through their whole side. They were hindered by a number of loose passes, coach Tim Walsh noting that they’ll need to hit them rather than let them go to ground on day 2.

The lineout looks good, and they’ll be pleased to find themselves unbeaten, without conceding a try or picking up an injury concern on the first day of the Sydney tournament.

Australia 29 Spain 0

Tries: Sykes 2, Caslick, Green

Cons: Sykes 3

In their first match of 2018 facing Spain, Australia flexed some scoring muscle, with a five try victory over Spain. 

Emma Sykes opened the scoring almost casually outpacing her defender, showing how far she’s developed as a player since last Sydney, as a new face in the squad. 

Charlotte Caslick got on the scoreboard also, pouncing with a quick restart, while Ellia Green announced her return to the tour with a powerful break to score her first of five tries on day one.

In the press, she was happy with execution, but conscious that day 2 is another day. The knee held up nicely, and Green doesn’t look to have lost any pace

What the Aussies might rue is not scoring 50 on Spain where they had the chance. 

A few passes dropped between players, although most were retrieved ably.

It meant that the side looked rusty at times, but they spent the majority of the match in control and attacking. 

When they did have to defend they looked strong as a side, and a few times were able to draw the penalty turnover.

Sykes told Rugby.com.au they had plenty to work on despite the win.

“Happy the girls came out firing and it was a really good first game result," she said.

"We still have a lot to learn and a lot to fix up on but it was a good first game."

 

Australia 50 PNG 0

Tries: Caslick 2, Friedrichs 2, Tonegato 2, Staples, Green

Cons: Sykes 3

Playing sides that aren’t series regulars is always an interesting challenge, but in Sydney the Aussies put on a clinic against Papua New Guinea.

Georgina Friedrichs scored two tries, one particularly great with a play she created handing off to Sykes, finding space to get it back from her.

Scoring a nice mixture of classic team and individual in their 8 tries against Papua New Guinea, they were able to rest some stalwarts and cycle through fresh legs.  

Sharni Williams nailed a conversion from the sideline, as the side still work to fill the gap left by Chloe Dalton as go-to for extras.

Emma Tonegato notched up her 70th World Series try, relishing the event she missed injured last year. She scored a 71st thirty seconds later.

Speaking to Rugby.com.au Emma Tonegato said she is happy Australia was yet to concede a point.

"Definitely keeping us to that nil, that's our goal always on day one," she said.

"So pretty happy so far with our defence."

 

Australia 43 France 0

Tries: Green 3, Cherry 2, Quirk, Caslick

Cons: Sykes 3, Williams

Australia continued their dominance in the Sydney 7s running out winners against France to go to the top of Pool A.

Emilee Cherry let loose in the match against France, strolling in a few tries, including one with her first touch.

Green was again on the scoreboard just before halftime to open up a 24-0.

Green picked up two more tries in the second term while Cherry also nabbed a second try.

Walsh spoke in the press about the side priding themselves in defence, how building their attack on turnovers is the key.

They didn’t have to do too much of it, but closing out the match against France they held their line impressively.

Australian coach Tim Walsh told Rugby.com.au it was most pleasing to see his side not concede a point in the pool matches.

"It was a pleasing performance, particularly the 0 in our defensive effort, which is always what coaches are always after and that really shows your desire," he said.

"That last 30 seconds against the French when they're on their line and they still didn't want to let them in.

"It was really good character to finish the day."

Australia are through to the quarter-finals on Saturday morning and will face Spain.