It's been a head-to-head tussle between Australia and New Zealand since the HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series kicked off last year in Dubai. As two rugby powerhouses in the women's game, momentum has changed back and forth throughout the past four tournaments. Heading into the series finale in Paris, it's two wins apiece and just four world series points keeping them apart.
Australia seized the initiative taking the first two tournament wins in Dubai and Sydney across December and January, but since then the silverware has been travelling back to New Zealand after victories in Kitakyushu and Langford.
"We really haven’t been that happy with how we’ve been playing since Sydney," said Emma Tonegato, Australia's in form winger. "We lost a tough match in the Commonwealth Games final against New Zealand, then nearly went on to beat New Zealand in Japan. We also didn’t finish Canada how we would have liked. We’re keen to get back out there and show that we are on top of the World Series for a reason."
The world series has changed hands between the two sides over the past two years, with Australia winning the series in 2016 and taking Olympic Gold, while New Zealand shone in 2017 taking five of six tournament wins.
Despite injuries to some key players, and the departure of coach Tim Walsh to the men's side after the Commonwealth Games, Tonegato is confident the team can achieve a win in Paris if they stick to the plan.
"Our assistant coach during Tim's time John (Manenti) was implemented as head coach last Friday and we’re super excited that’s confirmed," said Tonegato. "He can now implement any changes ahead of Paris and we are just keen to work with him and start building as we look towards Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco."
Tonegato's performances over the series have been unquestionable. 24 tries to her name, a prolific finisher and lethal in both defence and attack, the 23-year-old is one of the go-to-players for a momentum switch in a match. Sydney and Langford were both highlights of her season, with Tonegato scoring seven tries in each.
"Personally I am just trying to maintain my position in the team and perform to the best of my ability for the girls around me," she said. "With San Francisco on the horizon we are keen to just kick on well from a strong Paris performance. It’s been a long season but we’re still feeling good."
With Fiji, Russia and Canada in their pool for Paris, a world series victory is going to be a tough feat. As it stands, if New Zealand make the final, Australia will need to also. If New Zealand make the final, Australia can still finish third to go level on world series points but with points difference coming to play it's not as clear cut.
"I feel like we always play Fiji, and they are always so big and physical. We need to be up for that one. Russia you’re not sure what you are going to get, they can be a top three side or sometimes have an off day. They are physical and hard to play against. Canada, we last faced them in Langford and they are always a really tough team to play against."
On all team's horizons is Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco, kicking off on July 20-22. A new format means Australia will play Papua New Guinea in an opening knock-out match. A new city, with new format, Tonegato is looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm looking forward to going to San Francisco itself," she said. "The American fans are great and we should have a few of the girls back, Alicia Quirk, Ellia Green, Sharni Williams. You have to be on form every single game which is a good pressure to have."
