The ‘cheat code’ Maddi Levi is back – and so are Australia’s women’s hopes of winning a maiden Hong Kong Sevens title.
Despite Tim Walsh taking his youngest squad to the mecca of rugby sevens, Australia pulled away from Spain in their first-up clash to smash the Europeans 54-12 on day one of the Hong Kong Sevens at the stunning new Kai Tak Stadium.
Levi, who missed the Vancouver leg of the SVNS World Series tournament because of a hand injury, finished with a hat-trick to settle her nerves and send a shiver down the spines of rivals.
“I think I was probably more the most nervous I’ve been this season,” Levi admitted.
“I guess just having a little bit of a break you second-guess your ability and doubt yourself, but just to find my feet and get into that game, I’m pretty happy.”
Maddison Levi scored a hat-trick against Spain on day one of the Hong Kong Sevens at Kai Tak Stadium on March 28, 2025. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Levi’s three tries saw her extend her lead at the top of the tryscorers list, with the 22-year-old now bringing her season campaign to 33 tries – more than ten more than her closest rival, Brazilian Thalia Costa.
But just as important as her runaway tries was her ability in the air, with the towering winger helping Australia dominate the crucial kick restarts.
Not that she’s only thinking of the five-pointers.
“I would probably get upset if I didn’t touch the ball and score in my first season, but I think I’ve built and become a more mature player since then,” she said.
“Now, it’s just to get the result for the team and what I can do to get the result, and if I score a try, I score a try, but it’s not really my sole focus, it’s about how I can contribute to the team to get the win.”
There’s no doubting her impact on the side though, with Walsh revealing that the winger scores with every second touch.
“I mean, yeah (it’s a relief to have her back),” Walsh said.
“All the cheat code, iconic or whatever names, it’s pretty handy to have someone who, you know when she gets the ball, her strike rate’s at about 50 per cent whether she scores or not. So, the more times you get the ball in her hand, the better.
“But we do have to earn the right for that. We do have to make sure that we’re doing some electric movement and creating a little bit of space for her to do her magic.”
Australia’s women’s sevens team are out to win their maiden Hong Kong Sevens at the new Kai Tak Stadium. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Levi wasn’t alone in having a memorable opener to the tournament, with teenager Amahli Hala getting an early turnover and scoring seconds later in the first half.
Ruby Nicholas also showed her athleticism, streaking away to score in the first half.
Captain Bella Nasser and Faith Nathan also got on the scoreboard.
“We know we haven’t won Hong Kong yet,” Levi said.
“Obviously this is the only third year and last year we had a tough semi-final and then played third and fourth against France and then New Zealand the year before, so I think we’re ready to go all the way this time.”
The victory was the perfect start for Australia and just the type of momentum-building victory that Walsh was after following the side’s “disruptive” lead-up, where several members of the side were away playing in the Super W tournament.
Meanwhile, Walsh gave his tick of approval to the new 50,000 seat stadium.
“Absolutely love it,” Walsh said.
“I mean, we came out here during the week to have a look, and it just had this energy about it.
“I don’t know whether it’s Hong Kong or the stadium, but it all sort of culminates together for something special.”
Australia play Canada in their second match at 4:57pm AEDT.
Australia’s men open their campaign against New Zealand at 5:30pm.
