Five months after being rocked in Paris, Australia’s women’s sevens team have exploded back onto the national radar by claiming the Perth Sevens on a helter-skelter Sunday evening.
After witnessing their male colleagues get destroyed by Argentina during their brave effort to the final for the second straight year, Tim Walsh’s young side once again showcased why they remain one of the finest programs in the country as they snapped a seven-year drought at home by defeating Olympic gold medallists New Zealand 28-26.
Two tries to rising teenage star Heidi Dennis, and vintage performances from Charlotte Caslick, new skipper Bella Nasser and understated sharp-shooter Tia Hinds, saw Australia overcome their trans-Tasman rivals, who raced out of the blocks by scoring inside the opening minute.
But Australia’s new-look side, who were missing as many as four starters, including Maddison Levi (thumb) and Faith Nathan (concussion), who were injured on day two of the tournament, could deny Walsh’s side a first home tournament since 2018.
“I couldn’t really script it much better,” said Nasser. “We haven’t won at home in a really long time, and for a lot of the girls it was their first time playing at home, so I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
Australia celebrate winning the Cup Final against New Zealand on day three of the HSBC Perth SVNS at HBF Park on January 26, 2025 in Perth. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
For a side that has failed to deal with the pressure of big tournaments on home soil in recent years, the two-point victory ranks as one of Australia’s best.
Indeed, it was only midway through last year that Australia left a medal in Paris as the favourites let a 12-0 lead late in the opening half against Canada slip through their fingers in the semi-final at the Stade de France.
But Caslick’s side got spooked and their gold medal hopes were dashed in the blink of an eye. The bronze vanished soon after, too. Once again, the pressure told.
In Perth, with the women finally given the spotlight after generally playing second fiddle, they took a massive leap and landed on their feet.
For a side with several new faces, including 19-year-old Dennis and a series of other emerging weapons who have just graduated from their teens, the victory continued Australia’s regeneration and changing of the guard after the recent retirements of Dom de Toit and Sharni Smale.
“Obviously Maddi and Faith are a really crucial part of our team, but to see the young ones, MacKenzie Davis and Heidi Dennis, step up tonight like they did was unbelievable,” Nasser said.
Dennis, who has come out the other end of successive injuries, said the victory “meant everything”.
“Just grit, all the way to the end,” Dennis described the victory. “They really made us fight for that and doing it at home made it special.”
The win saw Australia move back to the top of the standings on 56 points, two points ahead of New Zealand.
Argentina’s men’s side and Australia’s women celebrate after taking out the Perth Sevens at HBF Park on January 26, 2025. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Australia’s men’s team showed great fight on their way to a second straight silver medal in Perth.
Liam Barry’s side shocked France (24-12) and South Africa (17-12), who they were beaten by in the bronze medal match in Paris in extra time, to make the final. But just last year, Australia was smashed by a flying Argentine side 41-5.
Luciano Gonzalez was named player of the final for his brace of tries, while teammate Matteo Graziano scored a hat-trick.
Australia’s only joy came through a stunning solo try by debutant Hadlee Tonga, who finally showed what he can do when given some space.
The heavy defeat came after Australia lost captain Henry Hutchison to injury in the semi-final.
Earlier, Aden Ekanayake scored a try in extra time against South Africa to catapult Australia into the final.
The teen’s fine finish came after he won the kick restart off Australia’s kick to put his side in the driver’s seat.
Spain took bronze by beating South Africa 14-7, before France edged out Canada by the same scoreline.
