New Zealand defeated Australia for the third time this season in a showpiece final, lifting the Perth crown to add to their Dubai and Singapore triumphs and opening up a four-point lead at the top of the women’s standings.
While the 29–7 scoreline suggested dominance, this was no runaway. Defending champions Australia pushed hard, refusing to fold in a physical and tactical battle. But two decisive tries either side of halftime from Player of the Final Kelsey Teneti gave the Black Ferns Sevens breathing room they would never surrender.
An emotional Teneti told RugbyPass TV pitchside:
“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. We know Australia are an amazing team. It can go either way, but we just tried to get the basics right. We’re literally just sisters!”
Captain Risi Pouri-Lane reflected on the journey to the title:
“We’ve been coming here three years now, and had some heartbreaks over those years. To still turn up even when it’s hard, even when you’re hurting, even when it’s been a long tour — I’m really proud of the girls.”
Stacey Waaka added a personal note to the triumph:
“It’s been three years in the making for this win, so we’re stoked to finally get this one. It’s been an awesome tournament because we have lots of family in the crowd, so we treat it like it’s our home crowd. We’re just really proud of the girls and their efforts to pull through — such a young team. I’ll be a part of that ‘youngness’ too, even though I’m one of the older ones!”
Elsewhere in the women’s competition, France claimed bronze after edging the USA in a bruising encounter. Hawa Tounkara’s late try proved decisive at the end of a lung-busting second half.
Blitzboks Break Perth Drought
In the men’s competition, South Africa produced a statement performance, outlasting Fiji in an intense final to secure their first Australian title in more than a decade. The victory adds to the Cape Town crown they lifted in December and signals serious momentum in the title race.
The Blitzboks burst into an early lead before being reeled back in by the Singapore champions. But Player of the Final Ryan Oosthuizen delivered the decisive blow, powering through three defenders to cross for the match-winning try.
“I’m very happy with our performance,” said Oosthuizen. “Fiji is always a battle, and today definitely delivered. I’m super-proud of my team. We fought for one another and that’s the Blitzbok standard we set for each other.”
Reflecting on his crucial score, he added with a grin:
“I’m always very happy to make an impact and luckily for me it worked out. I’m not the fastest guy so sometimes I need to run over people!”
Captain Siviwe Soyizwapi praised his squad’s evolution across the tournament:
“We worked so hard to replicate what we did in Cape Town. We lost a few key figures in crucial positions — and so the youngsters had to step up.
“It took a week for them to play at their full potential, to get their confidence and play out of their socks. Coming into Perth, I think they hit the sweet spot and we’re really happy with how far they’ve come and how well the team just grew over each game that we played together. Getting the win is just a cherry on top.”
Australia secured bronze earlier in the day, edging a fiery Trans-Tasman clash 12–10 thanks to a decisive try from Josh Turner.
Vancouver Pools Set
Attention now turns to Vancouver, with the pool draws confirmed on the sidelines in Perth.
In the women’s competition, New Zealand headline Pool A alongside France, Japan and Great Britain. Pool B promises fireworks as Cape Town winners Australia face USA, hosts Canada and Fiji.
For the men, newly crowned Perth champions South Africa will meet New Zealand, Spain and Great Britain in Pool A. Fiji, beaten finalists in Perth, face a daunting Pool B featuring Australia, Argentina and France.
The SVNS title race is tightening — and Perth has ensured Vancouver will arrive with stakes even higher.
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