Our opening tip for Thursday’s action may take a bit of time to pay off but it should be well worth the wait.

With the Women’s Rugby 7’s tournament getting underway, I’ll make an early play and back the Aussies to reach the final.

After all they are the defending Gold Medallists from Rio and this team is good enough to make the last game again (probably against New Zealand).

Even with the likes of Alicia Quirk, Emilee Cherry and Elia Green not taking part, there is still a lot to like about the squad they have taken to Tokyo.

I’ll back the experienced heads of Caslick, Parry and Williams to get them through the tournament and have a shot at the Gold Medal.

They get their tournament underway against Japan and China Thursday before rounding out group play against the USA Friday morning.

BET: Australia to Win Silver or Gold at $2.40

Swimming Men’s 800m Freestyle Final details