Australia will face New Zealand in the final of the Sydney Sevens after an Ellia Green hat-trick helped the hosts storm past Ireland in the semi-final on Sunday.
Green was unstoppable for the Aussies at Spotless Stadium, piling on two tries in the opening minutes of the first half to notch her 100th career try and put the defending World Series champions out to a 14-0 lead after Emma Sykes' conversions.
Barnstorming: Ellia Green starred as the Australians reached the final.Credit:AAP
Returning speedster Emma Tonegato made it 19-0 with a try late in the half, then Ireland star Aimee Leigh Murphy Crowe put the visitors on the board shortly after the break.
Murphy Crowe scored her second with three minutes to go and Ireland narrowed the gap to 19-12 with the conversion.
Green saved a certain third with some solid counter-rucking, earning Australia a crucial relieving penalty. Then, with a loose ball scuttling towards the Aussie try line, the hosts managed to get the ball out wide to their superb sprinter, Green running 80 metres to score in the closing seconds and seal Australia's spot in the final with a 24-12 win.
Australia play hot tournament and World Series favourites New Zealand in the final at 6.31pm AEDT on Sunday.
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