Australian Sevens sides featured heavily in the closing stages of all the Dubai Sevens tournaments, but it was not to be as New Zealand completed a clean sweep over their Trans-Tasman rivals.
The Aussie Women’s side went down 29-14 as the NZ Women ended a five-year title streak for the women in gold, while the NZ Men survived a late fightback from the Aussies, eventually prevailing 26-22.
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However, it was not all bad news for the Australian sides, with Australia A sweeping the Invitational Women’s competition, demolishing Ireland 29-0 in the semi-final before surviving a determined Brazil in the Final to win 14-12.
It was a frustrating Final for the Tim Walsh-led women’s side, who struggled to find their rhythm due to a relentless wave of Kiwi pressure that lasted the entire match.
Despite the disappointment, the title-winning coach aimed to look ahead to South Africa next week, citing plenty of positives despite being denied a sixth consecutive title.
“Six in a row was a bridge too far tonight,” the coach said. “Every win is one closer to a loss, and tonight we fell short of six in a row.
“We put in some solid performances and have set a solid season platform. We have ‘taken off’ and are looking forward to flying high this season.”
South Africa presents a good opportunity for the side to rebound, with the Australia Women’s side having made the Final on three of the four previous tournaments held in Cape Town, winning the tournament in 2023.
Despite the men’s final loss to the Kiwis as well, captain Henry Hutchison lauded his side’s effort and determination to make the final, with the team in the midst of a rebuild under coach Liam Barry.
"Obviously, we’re super disappointed with the result but very proud of the efforts throughout the week,” Hutchison said after the post-match. "I thought the boys showed great perseverance, grit and courage in the final.
"To have three boys debut and most of the guys have under 10 caps in, to show the growth over the weekend and continually improve, holds great signs for the future.
"There’s a lot of hunger in this team to be the best in the world, and that is our goal."
The Australia A side featured many high-profile Aussies in their come-from-behind win over Brazil, with Kiiahla Duff scoring the side’s first, before Kahli Henwood and Emmisyn Wynyard combined to score the match-winner.
With no invitational tournament in South Africa, the result will give Walsh plenty of confidence in his options, with several stars pressing their case for World Series call-ups.
“It's always a pleasure to play in Dubai,” said Henwood following her side’s title win. “The location and atmosphere are always above expectations.
“To get the win in the invitational competition with the Australia A team against a quality side that has played many times on the world circuit before goes to show the depth of the program and just how strong it is.”
The Aussie Women’s and Men’s sides will resume action in Cape Town this week, with action starting on December 6th.
AUSTRALIA WOMEN
- Pool Match 1: Australia 31 def Japan 7
- Pool Match 2: Australia 24 def Canada 17
- Pool Match 3: Australia 55 def Great Britain 0
- Semi-Final: Australia 31 def Fiji 10
- Grand Final: Australia 14 def by New Zealand 29
AUSTRALIA MEN
- Pool Match 1: Australia 14 def Spain 7
- Pool Match 2: Australia 17 def by New Zealand 21
- Pool Match 3: Australia 26 def Great Britain 17
- Semi-Final: Australia 14 def France 0
- Grand Final: Australia 22 def by New Zealand 26
AUSTRALIA A WOMEN
- Pool Match 1: Australia 24 def Belgium 0
- Pool Match 2: Australia 36 def Kazakhstan 0
- Pool Match 3: Australia 26 def China 5
- Pool Match 4: Australia 33 def Brazil 12
- Semi-Final: Australia 29 def Ireland 0
- Grand Final: Australia 14 def Brazil 12
