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‘This is our shot’: Great Britain eager to make history at Perth SVNS
By Finn Morton
The scorching Australian heat hasn’t slowed Great Britain down at all. Jasmine Joyce pointed out “It’s minus four at home” but it didn’t stop the sevens star from smiling after a tough win.
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Great Britain put the SVNS Series on notice with an upset win over hosts Australia on Friday night – the Aussie’ first loss of the 2023/24 season. But that was only one match.
Looking to wrap up pole position in Pool A, GB were beaten by Nadine Roos’ Springbok Women’s side. It was South Africa’s first pool win on the SVNS Series.
Ouch. It was the wake-up call they might’ve needed ahead of knockout rugby on Australia’s west coast. They still topped their pool, though, and Canda stood in their way.
Great Britain had beaten the Canadians 14-12 on day one. It was thrilling and a similar battle was expected with a semi-final spot up for grabs.
In the end, Ellie Boatman’s try in the fifth minute was the difference. No other points were scored as Great Britain held on for just their second quarter-final win in nine attempts.
“We’ve been working so hard,” Great Britain’s Jasmine Joyce told RugbyPass.
“We don’t get a lot of time together at home so to make a semi-final against a world-class team, and to bat Australia in Australia, is something you’re never gonna forget.
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“One of our best rugby memories as a squad so it’s absolutely fantastic to be in the semi.”
Joyce was the hero for the visitors as GB snuck by with a hard-fought win over Australia on Friday night. With the scores locked at 12-all, Joyce ran away for the match-winner in the 13th minute.
With a little bit of time still up on the clock, a six-woman Australia – who had lost Teagan Levi to a red card – were still in with a chance. But GB did enough.
“Beating Australia first of all if they’re not in their home nation, but to bat them in Australia to get through to a quarter-final is fantastic,” Joyce said.
“But the girls did so much work before that (the try), I was just the ending.”
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After travelling to the other side of the world, GB have a chance to book themselves in the Perth decider on Sunday.
Jasmin Joyce and co will take on Ireland at 12:22 pm local time in the first of two semi-finals. Hosts Australia will play Iloner Maher’s USA in the other knockout match.
All teams will be vying for their chance at history in Perth.
“The way we’ve been playing, some games haven’t gone our way like the South Africa game, but it’s the best we’ve been since we’ve been together.
“This is our shot at making a final in Australia. We’re absolutely buzzing and so many families are out here, it’s fantastic to see them all.”
