Australia’s rugby women have broken a seven-year tournament drought on home soil as emerging star Heidi Dennis starred in a thrilling 28-26 final win over arch-rivals New Zealand In the final of the Perth Sevens.
The women went one better than Australia’s injury-hit men’s side, who had earlier on Sunday been crushed 41-5 by Argentina in their final at Loton Park.
The trans-Tasman rivals both scored four tries in a fabulous women’s final, but Australia prevailed on the final day even without women’s sevens player of the year Maddison Levi, who suffered a broken finger, and fellow speedster Faith Nathan, who failed a HIA.
But the 19-year-old Dennis stepped up big-time, scoring two tries and earning player of the final honours.
Australia beat Canada 24-17 In the semifinals, while New Zealand defeated France 36-7.
The Perth victory moves Australia to within two points of series leaders New Zealand.
The final started in dramatic fashion, with New Zealand ace Michaela Brake, who scored four tries in the semifinal, fending off two attempted tackles to touch down after 30 seconds.
Dennis sprinted away for her first and the hosts hit the front with Tia Hinds dummying her way through the defence from halfway.
New Zealand retaliated, with Kelsey Teneti crossing as the scores were locked 14-14 at halftime.
Within 90 seconds of the restart, Australian great Charlotte Caslick sprinted 80 metres after stepping and dummying her way through the defence.
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Brake added another long-distance try but Teagan Levi broke through the defence to set up Dennis for her second try.
Risi Pouri-Lane crossed for New Zealand with just over a minute left, but the first missed conversion of the night meant Australia held on to record a memorable two-point win.
Australia’s men also had injury woes, losing Henry Hutchinson, Hayden Sargeant and James Turner after their dramatic 17-12 semifinal extra-time win over Canada.
Argentina, who beat Australia 31-5 last year, triumphed 41-5 in the 2025 iteration.
