Perth SVNS: Australia Women Lock in Gold Medal Rematch with New Zealand as Men Fall to South Africa
In a thrilling day of rugby sevens action at the Perth SVNS, Australia's women's team has set up a highly anticipated gold medal rematch against New Zealand, while the men's side saw their gold medal hopes dashed by a dominant South African performance. The events unfolded at HBF Park, where both teams faced intense semifinal battles that will shape the final day of the tournament.
Women's Team Secures Trans-Tasman Final After Victory Over USA
The Australian women's team kept their hopes of retaining the gold medal alive with a convincing 26-5 win over the United States. This victory ensures a repeat of last year's gold medal game, as New Zealand had earlier outlasted France to book their spot in the final. Maddison Levi was a standout performer, scoring two tries in a match that saw Australia race out to a 12-0 lead at halftime.
Levi's first try came inside the opening 40 minutes, as she burst through the middle of the field, brushing off three would-be tacklers. Despite some loose ball retention that threatened to turn the game against the hosts, dogged defence kept Australia in control. Heidi Dennis added a second try in the first half, and Madison Ashby intercepted a pass deep in US territory to extend the lead to 19-0, although Ashby was forced to undergo a head injury assessment.
Su Adegoke managed a consolation try for the USA, but Levi sealed the win with her second try down the left edge. Post-match, forward Tia Hinds praised the team's effort, stating, "A win's a win. There's always things we can learn on throughout the game, but we're just really proud of the girls' effort there on defence. We all worked really hard and some of our girls have been putting some really good 14 minute performances on."
Men's Team Falls to South Africa, Sets Up Bronze Medal Clash
In contrast, the Australian men's team struggled against a red-hot South African side, falling 28-12 in their semifinal. This result dashes their gold medal aspirations, and they will now face New Zealand for the bronze medal, a year after settling for silver in Perth. South Africa took an early 7-0 lead through Shilton van Wyk, but Henry Hutchison reduced the deficit with a try in the corner after Wallace Charlie wriggled through the defence.
Sebastiaan Jobb's counter-attack try in added time of the first half gave South Africa a 14-5 lead at the break. Ben Dowling continued his good tournament form with a fifth try to make it a two-point game, but Aden Ekanayake's yellow card made it tough for the hosts. Jobb grabbed his second try, and Ricardo Duarttee ended any hopes of an Australian comeback.
Reflecting on the loss, Ekanayake said, "There were little moments in that game where we just let it slip, like right before half-time. Obviously me getting a yellow card when we were within two points really puts the pressure on the rest of the boys to fight and come back. We certainly want to be in the top three, the whole big build up is towards the Olympics, and these are the games you want to be able to get on the on the podium."
Looking Ahead to the Final Day
As the Perth SVNS heads into its final day, all eyes will be on the women's gold medal rematch between Australia and New Zealand, a clash that promises high stakes and intense rivalry. Meanwhile, the men's bronze medal game against New Zealand offers a chance for redemption and a podium finish. The tournament continues to showcase top-tier rugby sevens talent, with both Australian teams aiming to end on a high note.
