‘Really excited’: Aussie women bounce back from heavy NZ defeat to clinch bronze in Vancouver sevens

The Aussie women had to settle for bronze in Vancouver after they were thumped by their biggest rivals in the semi-final.

Australia bounced back from a thumping loss to New Zealand in the semi-finals to claim bronze at the Vancouver sevens, while the men had to settle for seventh thanks to a gritty win over France.

The women clinched third place with a 26-12 win over Japan thanks to two tries from Tia Hinds, with the injury-hit team bouncing back well after their heavy loss to their biggest rivals.

New Zealand was far too good in the semi-final, with Stacey Waaka striking in the opening minute as the Broncos NRLW star bagged a double to lead her side to a comfortable 24-point victory.

Australia take down a soaring Japan to take third place in Vancouver! 🇦🇺#HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSVANpic.twitter.com/PYITLJBJYq

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) February 24, 2025

“We have a really young group of girls this season with a few of our more experienced girls sidelined with injury,” Aussie captain Isabella Nasser said, with superstar Maddison Levi (thumb) missing the tournament.

“Our growth from tournament to tournament is getting better, so hopefully we can fix a couple of small details and we’ll be able to perform on a more regular basis.

“When we get it right we’re really effective. We’re such a young and fast group that gets really excited. It’s a small fix but we’re excited to take the journey to Hong Kong and hopefully critique a few bits in our game.”

Kelsey Teneti had the final say against Australia 💥#HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSVANpic.twitter.com/L71dDQxCOu

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) February 23, 2025

The men held on for a narrow 15-12 victory over France in the battle for seventh, with both teams back in action next month when the sevens circuit heads to Hong Kong.

“It was a tough, physical weekend over here. I’m really happy with the growth and progression the team showed,” co-captain Henry Hutchison said.

“I thought although placing seventh, it was the best footy we’ve played as a group this season.

“We’re disappointed we were a bit asleep at the wheel for the opening of the quarter-final but we were able to crawl ourselves back.

“It’s a huge learning for the group there to be ready and focused at all times.

“We’re looking forward to a good training block leading into Hong Kong.”

Originally published as ‘Really excited’: Aussie women bounce back from heavy NZ defeat to clinch bronze in Vancouver sevens