Stewart shines as Australia A sweep through opening day in Dubai

Fri, Nov 28, 2025, 11:19 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Maya Stewart impressed for Australia A in Dubai. Photo: Getty Images
Maya Stewart impressed for Australia A in Dubai. Photo: Getty Images

Wallaroos winger Maya Stewart has made a seamless start to her Sevens career as Australia A swept through their opening day of games in the Dubai International Invitational.

The 2024 Wallaroos Player of the Year scored five tries in two games as they easily accounted for Belgium (24-0) and Kazakhstan (36-0).

All Australia A matches can be live-streamed via the Dubai 7s YouTube channel.

The Waratahs' all-time leading try-scorer scored Australia A's opening tries in both halves against the Belgians, kicking off the proceedings thanks to a perfect cut-back move with returning Australian Sevens star Sidney Taylor to create the space.

Taylor and Kiiahla Duff combined for her second, setting up Stewart for a trademark fend on the covering defender.

Stewart backed this up with a first half hat-trick against the Kazakhstan Nomads, with the Aussies in cruise control throughout the contest.

She was joined in kind by 2025 World Series debutant Piper Simons, who created countless chances.

Simons’ restarts caused chaos early against the Kazakhs, setting up the playmaker for the opening try inside 25 seconds.

She forced several mistakes in the opening minutes to allow the Aussies to build a commanding lead early.

The 20-year-old produced a great solo run for Stewart’s second try as Shannon Parry’s side had the game wrapped up just after half-time when Kahli Henwood raced clear.

Waratahs winger Amelia Whitaker was also strong across the park, one of few in the squad without Sevens or Wallaroos experience yet.

The flyer scored in both games in Dubai, while showing the defensive skills with an excellent try-saver late in the second game.

Australia A will face China and Brazil in the tournament, two teams with notable history in the SVNS World Series.

Share
Hogtied Carter: All Black flyer celebrates special connection to Gold Coast club for Club Round Rugby
Axed Wallabies coach Dave Rennie's high road to a belated Rugby World Cup chance will come with New Zealand and add another layer to the rivalry. Photo: Getty Images
Historic Rennie appointment to add World Cup intrigue
Donaldson explains HIA chaos as Force set sights on danger man Tavatavanawai
Larkham's legacy push as re-signed coach opens up on All Blacks links