In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Australia’s women’s Rugby Sevens team faced yet another defeat at the hands of their arch-nemesis, New Zealand, in the Perth Sevens final. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the women’s team grapples with recurring setbacks, the men’s squad stepped up to secure a hard-fought bronze medal, leaving fans divided over which team’s performance truly defines Australia’s rugby spirit. Could the women’s team’s struggles be a wake-up call for deeper changes, or is this simply a phase in their journey to reclaim dominance? Let’s dive in.
The final day of the Perth Sevens was nothing short of electrifying. Under scorching 34-degree heat at HBF Park, the Australian women’s team delivered a commanding 26-5 victory over the USA in the semi-finals. This set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown against New Zealand, who had already outplayed Australia twice in three finals this season, including a staggering 36-7 win in Singapore just a week prior. And this is the part most people miss—Australia’s determination to avenge their previous losses was palpable, with Heidi Dennis scoring an early try that hinted at a potential upset.
However, the tide turned dramatically. Unforced errors and missed tackles became Australia’s undoing, allowing New Zealand to cruise to a 29-7 victory. The Kiwi’s relentless defense and ability to break through multiple tackles proved insurmountable, securing their third tournament win in four events this year. For Australia, it was a bitter pill to swallow, settling for silver after their gold medal triumph at the same event last year.
Australian standout Maddison Levi, who had dazzled in the semi-finals with two tries—including a jaw-dropping moment where she fended off two defenders in quick succession—found herself stifled by New Zealand’s airtight defense in the final. This stark contrast in her performance raises questions: Was it a tactical failure, or simply the brilliance of the opposition? What do you think?
Meanwhile, the Australian men’s team faced their own rollercoaster. After a 28-12 semi-final loss to South Africa, they entered the bronze medal match against New Zealand trailing 10-5 early in the second half. Tempers flared at halftime when captain Henry Hutchison was struck in the head, sparking an all-in brawl. But the real drama unfolded in the final minutes. With Kitiona Vai yellow-carded for a high tackle, Australia capitalized on the numerical advantage. Josh Turner’s quick thinking led to a try with just 10 seconds left, leveling the score. Ben Dowling’s clutch conversion after the siren sealed Australia’s 12-10 victory, a thrilling end to a spiteful contest.
In the men’s final, South Africa edged out Fiji 21-19, though Fiji retained their top ranking after four events. Australia currently sits fifth, with South Africa and New Zealand in second and third place, respectively. But here’s the burning question—as the women’s team reflects on their setbacks, what changes are needed to reclaim their former glory? And can the men’s team’s resilience serve as a blueprint for their counterparts? Share your thoughts below—this debate is far from over.
