Australia’s women have produced a nailbiting victory in the Dubai Sevens final, helping bury some demons from missing out on a medal at Paris 2024.
In the early hours of Monday morning (AEDT), the green and gold took on the Olympic champions and escaped with a 28-24 triumph in a gripping decider.
Faith Nathan and Teagan Levi put the Aussies on top 14-0 early with first half tries, but the Black Ferns managed to bounce back in a see-sawing affair.
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Maddison Levi streaks away for a try. Zach Franzen / World Rugby
But it was the 15th try of the tournament for Maddison Levi – a new record – to put her side ahead in the dying stages before Charlotte Caslick came up with a clutch defensive play with 30 seconds to go to hold off the Kiwis.
“We just love the vibe of playing here and the weather, it’s a dry field and it suits the way we play,” Caslick said post-game.
“Every year we roll out more and more young girls and it shows the depth of our program.
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“I think that’s why we do so well each year because our program is so strong.”
Caslick’s interview descended into chaos when she was swarmed by her teammates in heartwarming scenes for the former skipper.
New captain Isabella Nasser was overcome with emotion after the victory.
Australian players celebrate the victory in Dubai. Zach Franzen / World Rugby
“It’s pretty incredible, I’m lost for words with how I feel right now and am on the verge of tears,” she said.
“I’m just so happy and proud of the girls for how they showed up tonight and for the rest of the tournament.
“We have a tight-knit group and the young players showed up. The Black Ferns are always a hard team to play and it’s such a good rivalry.”
In the men’s competition, Fiji came away with the title as Australia won their seventh-placed playoff against Great Britain.
