Australia's Cape Town dominance rewarded with five Dream Team selections

Tue, Dec 12, 2023, 4:52 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
James Turner is one of five Australians in the Cape Town Dream Team. Photo: World Rugby
James Turner is one of five Australians in the Cape Town Dream Team. Photo: World Rugby

Australia's strong Cape Town tournament has been recognised, with the two sides dominating the Dream Team from the second event of the SVNS World Series.

Teagan Levi headlines the Women's side, included in back-to-back teams as she continues her breakout season.

Don’t miss HSBC SVNS Perth in 2024: 26-28 January at HBF Park. Get your tickets now!

Levi stood out throughout the weekend in her expanded role, showing off her growth with a great solo effort to score off her own kickoff against Japan.

She is joined by fellow young gun Bienne Terita, who relished the chance to start in the pool stages as Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea served her suspension for a high tackle in the semi-final.

Fellow finalists France also had two selections, with Anne-Cécile Ciofani and Camille Grassineau named after they stunned New Zealand in the semi-finals.

UK's Emma Uren, New Zealand's Jazmin Felix-Hotham and USA's Naya Tapper round out the selections.

As for the Men, they enjoyed the most representation with three after their charge to the Final, including vice-captain Maurice Longbottom.

Longbottom was electric in attack and defence as they dominated hosts South Africa in the quarter-finals before defeating Fiji in the semi-finals.

He was joined in kind by Nathan Lawson and James Turner, helping them to their first Final since their Hong Kong triumphs.

Argentina duo Matias Osadczuk and German Schultz were included after brutal performances in the Final against the Aussies.

2022 World Rugby Player of the Year Terry Kennedy continues his flying return to Sevens with a nomination, with Fiji's Kaminieli Rasaku rounding out the team.

The Australians will look to continue their form into Perth, with the SVNS World Series heading to Australia on January 26-28

Share
SQ Championships Match Schedule
2024 Gold Coast Cyclones Squads
Three debutants confirmed as Yapp names first Wallaroos side to face Canada
O'Connor makes Reds return after frustrating layoff as Kiss names skipper McDermott on bench