The current and next generation of Aussie stars combined in an action packed opening day at the Los Angeles SVNS - the final leg of the Sevens circuit this year.
New arrival Mackenzie Davis starred on a big day out for the Women's side, scoring four tries across the three Pool B fixtures, with the current champions setting the pace across the opening day.
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The women's side hit the ground running early against a misfiring Fiji, with returning stars Bella Nasser, Demi Hayes and Heidi Dennis making their presence felt, much to the joy of coach Tim Walsh. Davis and Madi Levi both crossed the chalk in the 26-5 win - with Bridget Clark and Ruby Nicholas also starting well.
The Levi sisters continued their strong form against the USA, with both crossing the chalk on their way to a 33-12 victory, with Nicholas and Davis also picking up tries.
Finally, after conceding a try in the first 20 seconds against France, a double to Davis and Kahli Henwood, plus a try to youngster Piper Simons saw the women run out 33-17 winners - putting aside any doubt of their semi-final status.
Completing her stellar season that saw her break the 200-try barrier, Madi Levi was subsequently awarded the SVNS 2024-25 Top Try Scorer of the Year Award at the ground.
They will take on Canada in the first semi final on day two.
For the men however, it would be a case of so near, but so far.
Flying out of the gates after their disappointment in Singapore, tries to James Turner and Ben Dowling got them ahead early in the second half against Spain, with a Hayden Sargeant penalty goal nullifying any hope of a Spanish comeback, winning 15-10.
Turner's form continued against Fiji, with two long range efforts - including one in the final minute - proving the difference in their 15-14 win, as discipline in the second half proved costly for the Islanders.
However, against New Zealand, their hopes of a semi-finals berth came undone.
In a thrilling contest - likely a contender for the match of the weekend so far - the Aussies fought back from a two try deficit to be 14-7 at halftime, before poor Kiwi discipline resulted in a yellow card and a penalty try early in the second half to even the scores.
The Aussies capitalised with a try to Ben Dalton, however the Kiwis retook the lead with a try to Brady Rush, setting up a grand stand finish at 21-19.
The Aussies found themselves in Kiwi territory, playing two minutes into extra time after several penalties. When Henry Hutchinson crossed over the Aussies appeared to have the match winner - only for the TMO to not be able to conclusively confirm a grounding, resulting in no try and full time.
A Fiji victory over Spain would secure a semi final berth for the Aussies, however the Spaniards recovered to win 24-12, securing the necessary points differential needed to go above Australia and finish top of Pool B, with New Zealand second.
It was a disappointing end to what was a solid day of rugby for the men, with the side appearing rejuvenated following their underperformance in Singapore, plus a positive debut to teenage sensation Wallace Charlie.
They will go up against France in the fifth place play off on day two.
