Sharni Smale celebrates 50th World Series event with Dream Team nomination

Tue, Mar 5, 2024, 4:55 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Sharni Smale hits a line to score the opening try v France in Game 3 of SVNS Los Angeles

Australia Sevens icon Sharni Smale has continued to show her class after being named in the LA Dream Team.

It comes after Australia's run to the Los Angeles Final, defeated by New Zealand after beating hosts USA in the semi-finals.

Catch every game of the SVNS World Series LIVE on Stan Sport. Start your Free Sport Trial Now

Smale shone across the tournament, celebrating her 36th birthday in style.

“It brought back a bit of memories from being a captain but to be able to stand alongside Charlotte Caslick (with 50 caps), doing life with her is pretty awesome. I was just super pumped to be out there with the girls," she said after the opening game against Ireland.

She was joined in the team by rising star Bella Nasser, who experienced a breakout tournament.

It was Nasser's first nomination after making her debut in Cape Town in 2022.

There were three Kiwis in the Dream Team, including hat-trick hero Michaela Blyde, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Jorja Miller.

Hometown hero Ilona Maher rounds out the team alongside Canada's Chloe Daniels.

Meanwhile, Antoine Dupont continues his seamless transition with his first nomination and title.

France broke through with a tough win over Great Britain, with Dupont joined by Andy Timo and Paulin Rivin in the squad.

GB stalwart Robbie Fergusson and Alex Davis were also named alongside Spain's Juan Ramos and Ireland captain Harry McNulty.

The Series heads to Hong Kong for the next leg in April, with Australia's sides receiving tough pools for the event.

The Women have been drawn along with South Africa, Fiji and Ireland, who defeated them in the Perth Final.

As for the Men, they will face Dupont's France, Fiji and Canada in Pool A.

Share

Latest News

John Manenti will leave the Australian Sevens program. Photo: Getty Images
John Manenti to depart Sevens program after taking up overseas offer
Australia Sevens captain Nick Malouf announces retirement
SVNS schedule locked in for opening rounds of 2024-25 series
SVNS Perth locked in for 2025 as pre-sale tickets go live