Australia wins first sevens title at home since 2018

A new Aussie star stood up to deliver a victory on home soil for one of Australia’s best performed teams.

An injury to try-scoring machine Maddison Levi couldn’t stop Australia’s women’s sevens team delivering an unforgettable victory in Perth, taking out their first title on home soil since 2018.

The Aussies lost Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan but still overcame New Zealand 28-26 in an epic final as Heidi Dennis announced herself on the world stage, scoring a double to get Australia home and claim player of the final.

“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,” Australian star Charlotte Caslick said.

“Winning any tournament is great but winning one at home is more special. It was a shootout the whole game between two great teams.

Unstoppable pace, unmatched power, and pure brilliance!⚡️

Heidi Dennis is the Women's @HSBC_Sport Player of the Final 👑#HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSPERpic.twitter.com/7bZG1nkZFa

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) January 26, 2025

“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.”

The win moved the Australians to second on the points table, behind the Kiwis.

But while the women starred, Hayden Sargeant and James Turner were both ruled out of the Australian team that lost the men’s final with head knocks as Argentina spoiled the home team’s party with a 41-5 win.

“It was a disappointing last game and tough to lose the guys we did who are huge players in our team,” Australian gun Ben Dowling said.

“Possession was key and Argentina were able to capitalise moment to moment especially off the kick-offs.

“They touched us up but we’ve managed some good points for the World Series standings and we go again in the next tournament.

“We’ll dwell on the loss but there’s so much growth to come with this team. Hadley Tonga’s debut was awesome and there’s a lot to look forward to.”

The sevens circus now moves to Vancouver on February 21, with both Australian sides looking to move up the table on the overall standings.

Originally published as Australia wins first sevens title at home since 2018