Former Matildas hopeful Heidi Dennis helps Aussie Sevens end long rugby drought

Grit, a fighting spirit and a pair of young guns - including one that was touted as a future Matilda - have helped Australia end a seven-year-long drought in rugby sevens.

Heidi Dennis celebrates winning the Cup Final match between Australia and New Zealand on day three of the HSBC Perth SVNS in Perth. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Grit, a fighting spirit and a pair of young guns - including one touted as a future Matilda - have helped Australia end a seven-year-long drought in rugby sevens for the Aussie women’s first title win on home soil in seven years.

The Australian women beat Paris Olympic champions New Zealand in the moral-boosting victory at the world sevens in Perth - their first home victory since 2018.

And playing a major role was rising star Heidi Dennis, just 19, after veteran teammates Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan were sidelined with injuries during the three-day tournament.

Handed an opportunity, Dennis ran with it, scoring twice before being named Player of the Final is an un expected tribute for the teen from country Queensland as the Australians pipped the New Zealanders by just two points.

Dennis, who was signed by Brisbane Roar when just 16 and part of the Young Matildas program, ultimately chose sevens rugby and after a series of injury and mishap, finally got to show her true worth to the code in Perth.

Also exciting in the 28-26 win was 20-year-old Mackenzie Davis, another rising star of the game ahead of the LA Olympics.

Heidi Dennis escapes the clutches of a rival to run in one of her two tries in Perth. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

“It’s absolutely awesome, especially after going into the final with a few players missing. I think it’s one of the best wins in my career yet,’’ said Australian veteran Charlotte Caslick

“Winning any tournament is great but winning one at home is more special.

“It was a shootout the whole game between two great teams.

Heidi Dennis and Ruby Nicholas celebrate ending the long drought in Perth. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“Today showcased the depth we have in the squad. Players like Heidi Dennis just stood up and Demi Hayes had an absolute blinder.

“I’m so excited to keep moving forward with them.”

Fiji, Argentina and Spain lead the men’s standings with equal points after three rounds

The Aussie men’s side had the opportunity to make it a day of double success but were outclassed in their final against Argentina, beaten convincingly 41-5.

A highlight was Hadley Tonga, who came through the Waratahs Academy program before moving to Sevens, scoring a try on event debut for Australia’s only points.

Spain and France claimed men’s and women’s bronze respectively.

Originally published as Former Matildas hopeful Heidi Dennis helps Aussie Sevens end long rugby drought