Needing valuable points to keep their automatic qualification for Tokyo 2020 Olympic alive, Australia were looking to have a solid opening day. 

They beat Ireland, Brazil and Canada to progress to the quarter-finals while only conceding 26 points. 

There was a slight hiccup against South American side Brazil after the 2016 Olympic hosts shot out of the blocks to score in the first minute of the match. 

This seemed to jolt Australia back into action with Ellia Green crossing just a minute later before a masterclass effort was them run in six additional tries to complete a 43-7 rout.

Australia's final match against Canada was a physical encounter that pushed them until the final whistle. Despite Canada scoring first, the reigning World Series Champions went into halftime with a 14-7 lead.

However, the second half saw Canada draw level through Bianca Farrella before Manenti injected Green who used her speed to bag a double and ensure that Australia topped the Pool. 

“I’m really impressed with the team’s performances across day one, which showed some of the range of what we can do when we play with the ball in hand," coach John Manenti said.

“Ellia Green, Charlotte Caslick and Emma Tonegato had stand out games in the gold jersey, but the whole squad worked really hard and kept their focus across three very different matches.

“Nothing is won on day one, so it is imperative we keep our focus on the quarter-finals tomorrow and get our recovery right.”   

The results see Australia top Pool A and they will now face Russia at 3.24am AEST on Monday.