Aussie Sevens Teams Go Unbeaten on Thrilling Day One of Perth SVNS
The 2026 HSBC SVNS Perth kicked off with electric energy at HBF Park, as Australia's men's and women's sevens teams delivered flawless performances to top their respective pools unbeaten. Defending their titles from last year, the Aussies showcased speed, skill, and resilience in a day packed with high-scoring thrillers. With every match live on Stan Sport, fans witnessed a festival of rugby that set the stage for explosive knockout rounds on Day Two.
Women's Sevens: Title Defenders Sweep the Pool
Australia's women's squad, led by co-captains Maddie Shave and Faith Nathan, started their campaign with authority. In their opener against Great Britain, Faith Nathan scorched through the defense for a blistering try, setting a dominant tone early. The team built on that momentum, outpacing the Brits in a convincing victory that highlighted their attacking flair.
The momentum carried into the matchup against France, where the Aussies maintained control, blending sharp passing with relentless pressure. Captain Shave's leadership shone as the side methodically dismantled their opponents, securing another win to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
Climactic Win Over Canada
The day's highlight for the women came against Canada, resulting in a commanding 38-10 triumph. Star player Maddison Levi opened the scoring just a minute in, accelerating through a gap to dot down and ignite the home crowd. Moments later, Levi nearly nabbed her second after backing up Mackenzie Davis's break, though Canadian defenders held her up for a five-meter scrum.
The Aussies didn't let up. Despite a brief push from Canada, Australia's bench depth and tactical nous overwhelmed them. Tries flowed from players like Bella Nasser and others, with the final scoreline reflecting their superiority. This sweep positions Australia strongly for the Cup Semi-Final against the USA on Day Two at 12:35 pm AWST.
Coach Tim Walsh praised the team's cohesion post-match: "We're defending champions for a reason—our girls executed under pressure and backed it up with heart." The performance not only boosted confidence but also reaffirmed Australia's status as sevens powerhouses ahead of a packed SVNS season.
Men's Sevens: Dramatic Finishes and Pool Dominance
The men's team mirrored the women's success, navigating a tough pool with wins over New Zealand, France, and a nail-biting victory against Great Britain. Their opener against the Kiwis was a statement, as Australia dominated with physicality and precision to claim a clear win.
Against France, the Aussies continued their form, controlling possession and territory to secure another victory. But it was the 24-21 thriller over Great Britain that had fans on the edge of their seats, encapsulating the unpredictable magic of sevens rugby.
Hadley Tonga's Heroics Seal the Deal
Trailing 21-19 with time ticking down, Australia launched a desperate counter from their goal line. A foot in touch nearly cost them, but resilience prevailed. Great Britain's cynical foul reduced them to six players, and in the final play, winger Hadley Tonga produced a wonder try—diving spectacularly to snatch the win.
Earlier in the match, Wallace Charlie split the defense for the opener, followed by Ben Dowling's smart grubber and Ben Dalton's line break. Despite a yellow card to Ethan McFarland and Great Britain's surge, including Marcus Kershaw's open-space try, Australia's grit shone through. Starting XV included Hutchison, Dalton, and Turner, with Tonga's bench impact proving decisive.
This unbeaten run sets up a blockbuster Cup Semi-Final against South Africa at 1:19 pm AWST. Captain Nick Malouf noted, "That was sevens at its best—heart-stopping and rewarding." The men's performance underscores their evolution since last season's final appearance.
Other Pool Standouts: Global Drama Unfolds
Beyond the Aussies, Day One delivered global intrigue. New Zealand edged France 26-21 in extra time after a penalty try thriller. Trailing late, Frank Vaenuku's runaway try leveled it, but an interception by Kele Lasaqa put the Kiwis ahead. France's Rob Rush's try-saver earned a penalty try, forcing overtime where Vaenuku powered over again.
Fiji clawed back from 14-0 down to beat South Africa 20-14 in a yellow-card-filled affair. Viwa Naduvalo's double sparked the comeback, securing Pool A top spot.
Spain staged a rally to defeat Argentina 26-19, overturning a halftime deficit with three late tries. Argentina's grubber mishap sealed their fate, handing Spain the upset.
Day Two Preview: Knockouts Promise Fireworks
As the sun sets on Day One, anticipation builds for the knockout stages. Fifth-place semis kick off with Women: Japan vs Great Britain (10:30 am AWST) and Canada vs Fiji (10:52 am). Men's follow: Spain vs Great Britain (11:14 am) and France vs Argentina (11:36 am).
The Cup Semis are the marquee events: Women—New Zealand vs Canada (12:13 pm) and Australia vs USA (12:35 pm); Men—Fiji vs New Zealand (12:57 pm) and Australia vs South Africa (1:19 pm). With HBF Park buzzing, expect more speed, tries, and drama in this HSBC SVNS leg.
The Perth SVNS not only spotlights elite athleticism but also grows rugby's footprint in Australia. As the Aussies chase back-to-back titles, global rivals like Fiji and New Zealand vow to challenge. Tune in via Stan Sport for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of sevens action.
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