The former Haverfordwest RFC star has already played her part in helping the British squad reach the semi-finals unbeaten, scoring a try in the opening win over Brazil with her first touch, and will be guaranteed at least a silver medal if het team can maintain their unbeaten record.
But that will be a touch task given they are drawn against second seeds New Zealand in the last four. The game kicks-off at 2.30pm local time (6.30pm BST).
Team GB have so far conceded just one try in their four games and speedster Joyce says that defence has become a key aspect of their play.
“It’s amazing and a dream come true for us all to make the semis. Defence is just as important as attack, and to only concede one try is exactly what we wanted,” she said.
“Hopefully, we can scare teams with it, our defence is a threat. Canada was a tough game but we took a lot of energy and excitement from that game into the quarter-final against Fiji.
“We played with plenty of composure and energy and, hopefully, we can carry on that form against New Zealand in the semi-final.”
Having opened with that 29-3 win over host nation Brazil, Team GB went on to beat Japan 40-0, Canada 22-0 and then Fiji 26-7 in the quarter-final. New Zealand started with a thumping 52-0 win over Kenya and then beat Spain 31-5, France 26-7 and the USA 5-0 in their quarter-final.
The other semi-final will see the reigning HSBC World Series champions Australia take on Canada. Top seeds Australia needed a last-minute conversion from Chloe Dalton to scrape a 12-12 draw against the USA in Pool A.
