Australia has eased its way into the Rugby Sevens Olympic semi-finals with a 40-7 win over Ireland at Stade de France.
It gives Tim Walsh’s side a chance at redemption after a disappointing quarter-final exit against Fiji in Tokyo.
The Aussies were never troubled as Maddison Levi continued her incredible tournament with a hat-trick in the first five minutes to claim the Olympic record for most tries in a single event.
Captain Charlotte Caslick was pulling the strings in attack and defence to set up a 26-0 halftime lead before they held strong to close out the dominant win.
The Levi sisters dominated the quarter-final in a scintillating first-half display.
Maddison and Teagan combined for the opening two tries as Australia punished Ireland off the counterattack.
It saw Teagan draw in the defenders enough for Maddi to sprint away for back-to-back tries.
Maddison broke the record with her 11th and third of the game after perfect interchange with Faith Nathan to stroll through a gap.
Nathan’s solo effort before the break gave the Aussies a healthy lead at half-time.
Bella Nasser extended the lead to start the second half to put the game beyond doubt before Bienne Terita’s long-range effort capped the double over the Irish.
The two teams met earlier in the day, with Great Britain’s win over South Africa ensuring Australia’s place on top of pool B was secured barring a huge defeat to Ireland.
Nathan’s try in the first 30 seconds ensured that wouldn’t happen as coach Tim Walsh left captain Caslick on the bench for the entire game.
Eve Higgins responded for Ireland but Teagan Levi’s try after the half-time siren gave the Aussies a five-point lead.
The Levi’s combined after the break as Maddison hunted down Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe, allowing Teagan to claim the turnover penalty. The quick tap from Tia Hinds presented the chance for Maddison to score her eighth try of the Olympics.
With the try-scoring freak heading off the field, the Aussies were forced to defend their line late as Ireland continued to press.
A sensational tackle from Teagan Levi stops Amee-Leigh Murphy Crowe inches from the line but a yellow card to Tia Hinds produced the space for Higgins to score her second.
It gave Ireland a chance late to win the game if they could secure the kickoff but the Aussies remained calm to close out the game and set up the rematch with the Irish in the quarter-finals.
Australia will face Canada in the semi-finals after a shock 19-14 upset of hosts France.
Piper Logan scored twice and Chloe Daniels struck with 30 seconds to go to silence the home crowd after France worked back to take the lead.
New Zealand and the USA will face off in the other semi-final after the Kiwis thumped China 55-5
