Young gun Mackenzie Davis is set to become the latest debutant for Australia as the squads have been confirmed for Cape Town.
Davis will be the fourth player to debut on the World Series for Tim Walsh's side after Kahli Henwood, Piper Simons and Kiiahla Duff helped Australia claim their fifth straight Dubai title last weekend.
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The 19-year-old was the standout for NSW during their Next Gen Sevens campaign as they defeated Queensland in the three-round series.
This came after Davis was a part of the victorious Australian U18 team at the Youth Commonwealth Games and Global Youth Sevens in 2023.
She replaces Demi Hayes, who returns back to Australia after her successful return from an ACL injury.
The defending champion Australians have been drawn in Pool A alongside Canada and Brazil as part of the new format for the double-headers in 2024-25.
This will see four pools of three teams, with the top sides advancing straight to the semi-finals.
"Statistically it was one of our best tournaments in Dubai and to win well with three players on debut is a testament to the program and demonstrates the depth of talent coming through," coach Tim Walsh said.
"We have a much more mature team now and a very balanced leadership group. A great way to kick off the new season."
Meanwhile, the Men keep an unchanged side to the team that finished seventh to start their campaign.
Henry Hutchison retains the captaincy whilst it will be Nathan Lawson's last event before departing the program.
National Performance Manager Scott Bowen coaches the side as incoming coach Liam Barry prepares to take over in Perth.
They will face surprise finalists Spain and Kenya in Pool B as they look to make back-to-back finals appearances in South Africa.
“The team was disappointed with some of the results in Dubai but were pleased with how we progressed as the tournament went on and we’ll take those positives into Cape Town," Bowen said.
“It’s a new-look squad with some fresh faces and young talent and they’ll be better for the run together.
“Cape Town is an amazing place to play and we’re looking forward to the experience of playing again at DHL Stadium.”
Australia Women’s Sevens team for HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024/2025: 1. Piper Simons
3. Faith Nathan
4. Mackenzie Davis*
5. Teagan Levi
7. Charlotte Caslick
9. Tia Hinds
10. Isabella Nasser (c)
12. Maddison Levi
13. Heidi Dennis
15. Kahli Henwood
23. Ruby Nicholas
28. Kiiahla Duff
65. Sariah Paki
* denotes debut
Australia Men’s Sevens team for HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024/2025:
1. Henry Hutchison (c)
2. Ben Dowling
3. Henry Palmer
6. Henry Paterson
7. James McGregor
9. Matt Gonzalez
10. Ben Dalton
12. Nathan Lawson
14. James Turner
15. Sid Harvey
23. Aden Ekanayake
25. Hayden Sargeant
87. Michael Icely
