Rugby is making its return to sport’s biggest stage after an absence of 92 years and a vibrant and international crowd were in party mood as the world’s top women’s players showed why sevens is a perfect fit for the Games with sublime skill, speed and tries galore.
While the quarter-finals for the medal competitions are still in the balance with one round of pool matches left to play on today, Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada and Great Britain all secured their places by winning their opening two pool matches.
Great Britain were made to work harder than expected before brushing side hosts Brazil with a 29-3 victory – Wales’ Jasmine Joyce scoring a try with her first touch as a second half replacement when racing away from the outflanked defence.
It proved an eventful day for the Wales winger, as she was sent to the sin bin in the second game against Japan for throwing the ball away. Her two minutes absence on the naughty step didn’t prove a hindrance though as Great Britain cruised to a 40-0 victory.
Canada top the overnight standings in the group after defeating Japan 45-0 and Brazil 38-0.
The top two from each pool qualify for the quarter-finals along with the two best third-placed teams, so there is still plenty to play for on what promises to be an exciting final session of pool play on day two.
