New Zealand claimed victory over Australia in the final match of the HSBC SVNS Series in Perth, marking their third win against their rivals this season and solidifying a four-point lead in the league table. The Black Ferns Sevens added the Perth title to their previous victories in Dubai and Singapore, triumphing with a score of 29-7. While the scoreline suggests a dominant performance, the match was characterized by a fight from the defending champions, Australia. Star player Kelsey Teneti scored two tries, both before and after halftime, ensuring the Black Ferns maintained a lead they would not relinquish.
Teneti expressed her emotions in a post-match interview, emphasizing the significance of their victory, stating, “It’s more than just a game. We carry our wahine and our country on our shoulders, so to go back-to-back really means a lot.” Captain Risi Pouri-Lane reflected on their journey over the past three years, acknowledging the tough moments and showing pride in her team’s resilience. Stacey Waaka contributed to the positive sentiment, noting the importance of the win after years of hard work and the support from family in attendance, making it feel like a home crowd for the team.
In the bronze final, France edged past the USA, with Hawa Tounkara delivering a late try to clinch the match after a challenging second half. The men’s tournament saw South Africa secure a hard-fought win against Fiji, claiming their first Australian title in over a decade. Player of the Final Ryan Oosthuizen showcased his strength by powering through defenders for the decisive try, while captain Siviwe Soyizwapi praised the team’s growth and resilience amidst challenges faced during the tournament.
In the heat of the finals day matchups, Australia managed to finish third, defeating New Zealand in a closely contested encounter. The draw for the next leg of the HSBC SVNS Series in Vancouver has placed New Zealand in Pool A with France, Japan, and Great Britain, while Australia faces a challenging draw against USA, Canada, and Fiji in Pool B. On the men’s side, South Africa will compete against New Zealand, Spain, and Great Britain in Pool A, while Fiji finds themselves in tough competition against Australia, Argentina, and France in Pool B.
The recent successes of New Zealand and South Africa highlight the growing competitiveness and excitement of the HSBC SVNS Series, setting the stage for an exhilarating continuation of the tournament in Vancouver.
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