If there was a moment that typified the Australian spirit on day one of the women’s seven’s campaign, it was summed up by the inspirational 70-second effort by Kaitlin Shave to continue fighting on despite being injured.
Coming on in the second half during Australia’s first-up 34-5 win over South Africa, the Australian speedster had her Olympic dream upended by a devastating knee-injury that looks set to end her campaign after less than 14 minutes.
Shave, 23, landed awkwardly after taking a clearing kick from South Africa midway through the second half.
Although she limped away from the ruck, it was evident immediately that Shave was not right.
“The poor girl, you saw even on impact, the left knee, she just lifted it immediately, trailing the injured leg, and in doing so has picked up a yellow card,” Wallabies great Drew Mitchell said on Nine.
“Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious and we can see her back at some point throughout this tournament.”
Kaitlin Shave suffered a suspected ACL injury during Australia’s first-up Olympics win over South Africa at the Stade de France. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, Shave, who was replaced in Australia’s 12-person matchday squad by Kahli Henwood, has a suspected ACL injury after being rushed for scans on Sunday (local time). Scans are expected to confirm the injury over the next 24 hours.
Despite being in agony, Shave continued to play as she hit a ruck to protect the ball for Australia before South Africa won a scrum.
After seeing Australia’s medical team, South African flyer Nadine Roos ran straight at the flyer.
Play was soon blown up as the TMO recommended a yellow card against Shave for making high contact with Roos, adding it was a “high tackle with a low degree of danger”.
At the time, World Series commentator Rikki Swannell said, “It’s been a tough minute for Kaitlin Shave, who is now yellow carded.”
Former England captain Tom Mitchell added: “I think she’s got more pressing concerns at the moment on the sidelines. I don’t think she’ll be running off. Heartbreaking to see these conversations between player and physio.”
Maddison Levi runs in another try against Team Great Britain on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on July 28, 2024. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Only 24 hours earlier, Shave had been celebrating with family after being presented her matchday jersey at the Australian Embassy in front of the Eiffel Tower.
“Such a special moment I will never ever forget,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Seeing my beautiful family for the first time in Paris was such a surreal feeling, I’m so grateful for their on going support and love as well as from all the amazing friends and family at home.
“Thank you to anyone who has sent me kind messages over the past few weeks. I truly am one lucky girl to have such strong support crew, this jersey isn’t just for me but also for all of you.”
Shave is the fourth full-time squad member to injure her leg over the past nine months, with former captain Demi Hayes sidelined alongside Madison Ashby and Lily Dick. Forward Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea is also missing from the regular squad.
Despite her injury, Australia had no trouble putting away South Africa before brushing past Great Britain 36-5 to put themselves in pole position to top Pool B ahead of their final group match against Ireland on Monday night (10:30pm AEST).
Australia’s scintillating start was built off the back of Charlotte Caslick and Isabella Nasser’s strong work in the middle, which allowed Maddi and Teagan Levi, as well as Faith Nathan and Bienne Terita, to blitz their opponents on the outside.
Indeed, Maddi Levi scored seven tries across the opening two matches while Teagan also crossed in both matches.
“To be able to start like that and build as the tournament goes on is an awesome feeling,” said Maddi Levi.
“Starting well is something we’ve been working on all year. We’ve got a lot of things we can still work on which is good.
“To be out there with my sister is super special.”
WOMEN’S RUGBY SEVENS FIXTURES – POOL B
Match 1: Australia 34 defeated South Africa 5
Match 2: Australia 36 defeated Great Britain 5
Monday, July 29: Australia v Ireland (10:30pm AEST)
