The Australia Women’s Sevens side has taken a major step towards taking out the SVNS World Championship after a 27-14 win over the USA in the Valladolid Final.
It capped off a day of redemption for the Aussies, having defeated arch-rivals New Zealand in the semi-finals following an earlier loss to the Americans in the pool stages.
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The Aussies found themselves on the same side of the pool as the Kiwis after their 14-10 defeat to the Americans to start day two, producing two gutsy performances after significant setbacks.
Tim Walsh’s side went into the contest as the walking wounded, missing Maddison Levi (knee) and Tia Hinds (calf), while Kahli Henwood had a notable shiner throughout the weekend.
With key members out, 21-year-old Heidi Dennis stepped up to guide the Aussies to their first title of the year, named Player of the Final.
The young gun crossed for a double as the Aussies raced out to a 22-7 half-time lead. Dennis then persevered the lead with several try-saving tackles, the standout being a 60 metre rundown effort on Alex Sedrick.
She was joined in kind by co-captains Bella Nasser and Madison Ashby, with the leaders setting the tempo for a physical first half.
The plan was clear to pin the Americans inside their 22 and it paid off perfectly. On three occasions, the Aussies were able to force the turnover, first through Nasser’s work to hold up an attacker to force a scrum, followed by Ashby’s pilfer after Dennis’ opener.
The captains took turns slicing the defence apart as Faith Nathan continued her strong tournament with a double.
Teagan Levi capped off the win in the final minute with a smart dart down the blindside, throwing up the ‘M’ for her injured sister, who is in doubt for next week’s finale in Bordeaux.
The victory sees Australia leap ahead of New Zealand in the World Championship ladder, taking a two-point lead into the final leg.
It came after the Aussies replicated their heroics from Madrid in 2024, defeating the Kiwis 28-26 in the semis despite trailing for most of the match.
Kaitlin Shave came up with the winner in the final minute, with the kicking of Hinds proving the difference.
The win ended a run of defeats to the New Zealanders, who finished third after a heavy win over Canada.
