Australia Secures Thrilling Victory Over New Zealand to End Home Rugby Sevens Championship Drought

In a thrilling encounter, Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand 28-26 in the women’s rugby sevens final on Sunday, capturing their first title on home soil in seven years.

Back in 2018, Australia secured the women’s and men’s championships in Sydney, but it wasn’t until now that they managed to replicate that success.

On the other hand, the men’s team faced a heavy defeat in the Perth final, succumbing to defending champions Argentina 41-5.

The Australian women entered the final as underdogs, missing key players Maddison Levi (broken thumb) and Faith Nathan (concussion) after they were injured during Saturday’s quarter-finals.

New Zealand, who dominated their pathway to the final with an average score of nearly 43 points, struck first with a try from Michaela Brake (nee Blyde) just 30 seconds into the match.

It was a thrilling contest, with Aussie teenager Heidi Dennis scoring and then assisting in Tia Hinds’ try.

As halftime approached, Sarah Hirini’s powerful charge set up teammate Kelsey Teneti to bring the scores level at 14-14.

Charlotte Caslick then broke out from her own 22 to score, only for Brake to dash away down the left flank a minute later.

This was her 254th try in world series history, putting her just two shy of the women’s all-time record held by another New Zealand icon, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.

Dennis went on to score her second try of the match by supporting a fatigued Teagan Levi, while New Zealand’s captain Risi Pouri-Lane responded with a try in the dying moments.

However, Pouri-Lane missed the crucial conversion, allowing Australia to hold on during the tense last 40 seconds.

“It’s absolutely incredible, especially considering we were missing a few key players,” Caslick remarked.

“I’d say this is one of the best wins of my career. Securing any tournament is special, but winning in front of our home crowd adds an extra layer.”

“It was a phenomenal contest between two top teams.”

“Today highlighted the strength of our squad depth, with players like Heidi Dennis stepping up, and Demi Hayes delivering an outstanding performance. I’m thrilled to progress with this team.”

This marked the 29th cup final involving the intense trans-Tasman rivals.

“It couldn’t have been scripted better,” remarked Australian captain Bella Nasser.

“We hadn’t celebrated a home victory in a long time, and this was the first time for many of the girls to play in front of a home crowd.”

Argentinian Dominance in Men’s Final

The Australian men’s side, after reaching their first series final in a year, seemed to falter. Last year’s final in Perth had also been a loss to Argentina.

During the knockout stages, the Australians defeated Olympic champions France in the quarter-finals and edged out South Africa in the semis after extra time.

Argentina, who previously defeated Australia in pool play, proved too slick in the final.

Marcos Moneta opened the scoring from a switch play before Luciano Gonzalez capitalised on an Australian knock-on at the restart.

After a rare scrum tighthead led to Santiago Alvarez crossing over, the halftime score stood at 17-0.

When Australia’s second-half kick failed to travel the necessary 10 metres, Gonzalez quickly added a second try.

Matteo Graziano rounded off the scoring with a hat trick, with the only response being a try from Australian teenage fast-track Hadley Tonga.

The Australians were missing Hayden Sargeant and James Turner due to concussions received in the semi-finals, while Henry Hutchison was sidelined with a rib injury.

“It’s disappointing to lose the final, especially given the absences of our key players,” said Australia’s Ben Dowling.

“Possession was crucial; Argentina took advantage of every moment—particularly from kickoffs.”

“They certainly outplayed us, but we have gained valuable points in the world series standings and will go again in the next tournament.”

“We’ll reflect on this loss, but there’s immense potential within this team. Hadley Tonga’s debut was fantastic, and we have much to look forward to.”

The series has now seen three different winners across its three legs, with Fiji, Argentina, and the surprised Spain all tied on points but separated only by points difference.

The tournament will continue in Vancouver from February 21-23.