Hooper helps Aussies reach HK semi-finals

The Wallabies star, who is aiming for the Olympics, had cameo roles in Michael Hooper’s maiden sevens competition, which is still going strong as both Australian teams advanced to the semi-finals in Hong Kong.

The 125 times capped Hooper played four minutes off the bench as Australia’s men easily defeated Canada 31-0 in their last group match. Later on Saturday, they defeated South Africa 15-0 in the quarterfinals, and Hooper was only required as a late substitute.

On Sunday, the last day of the scene Series event, Hooper, 33, will play New Zealand in a thrilling semi-final as he continues to be gradually introduced to the fast-paced sevens scene.

The Australian women, who are presently atop the season standings, will also play their fierce rivals from New Zealand in the semi-final after defeating Japan 12-0 in the quarterfinals to extend their unbeaten streak to four games.

Amazing defense proved to be the cornerstone for both Australian teams on a day when women’s captain Charlotte Caslick led the way by shining in her 300th World Series match. They kept their opponents scoreless during all four of their matches on Saturday at Hong Kong Stadium.

Following tries from captain Nick Malouf, Michael Icely, Dietrich Roache, and Nathan Lawson, the men led 24-0 against Canada. Hooper was then allowed to play for the longest period of time and almost scored a try himself in the last seconds after Henry Paterson finished the five-try romp.

But Hooper was only used as a substitute in the last 30 seconds of the match against the Blitzboks, which was decided by the Australians’ formidable defense and tries from the outstanding Nathan Lawson and Maurice Longbottom.

Regarding their victory, Malouf remarked, “A few things didn’t go as planned so we had to fight through but we just hung in there.”

We managed to accomplish it with the late shot on goal (from Longbottom) and were able to put a few goals on the board. I can’t wait until tomorrow.”

Tia Hinds and Teagan Levi’s tries helped the women, who have struggled with discipline throughout this season’s competition, overcome a yellow card to Sariah Paki in the second half to defeat Japan in a close quarterfinal.

As a squad, we need to improve on our slow game starts, as stated by Levi.

“Japan wanted it more at the start but at halftime we came out firing and we wanted it more than them at the end.”

Earlier, in a 28-0 group-stage victory over South Africa, Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan both scored twice.

In the game of the day, Tone Ng Shiu’s last-minute try helped the reigning men’s champions, New Zealand, defeat Fiji 19–12 in the quarterfinals to set up their match against Australia. Meanwhile, France, who will play Ireland in the other semifinal sans their new superstar signing, Antoine Dupont, will play France.

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