Australia’s Women’s Sevens Team Triumphs at the Dubai Sevens: A New Era Under Captain Isabella Nasser
In the world of international rugby, few achievements resonate as profoundly as the recent success of Australia’s women’s sevens team at the Dubai Sevens. With a blend of skill, determination, and sheer willpower, the Australian squad clinched a thrilling victory against their longstanding rivals, New Zealand, concluding the tournament with a narrow 28-24 win. The exceptional performance not only secured their title but also heralded a promising new chapter under the leadership of newly appointed captain, Isabella Nasser.
Reflecting on the triumph, Nasser shared her optimism, stating, “The best is yet to come,” affirming her belief in the team’s potential to continue its streak of success in the upcoming HSBC Sevens World Series (SVNS). This is no small feat, as from 2021 to 2023, the Australian women consistently demonstrated their dominance by winning four consecutive Cup Finals at the UAE SVNS stops, a testament to their growing prowess on the global stage.
As the season kicked off, the defending overall SVNS Series champions did not disappoint. They began the 2025 season with a commanding 52-nil victory over China, followed by resounding victories against Fiji and Ireland. The Australians showcased an impressive defensive strategy, conceding a mere 12 points throughout these three matches, culminating in a staggering +106 points differential. These statistics speak volumes about their offensive and defensive capabilities, positioning them as frontrunners in the sevens circuit.
The path to the final was paved with remarkable performances, including a 39-nil dismantling of Olympic medallists Canada in the quarterfinal and a 35-7 semi-final victory over Great Britain. However, the ultimate test awaited them in the form of New Zealand, who had showcased their own formidable prowess by defeating France with a 14-point margin in the preceding round.
In the highly anticipated Cup Final, the match began with Australia finding its rhythm early, with Faith Nathan and Teagan Levi each scoring early tries. Yet, the Black Ferns Sevens responded through players Jorja Miller and Risi Pouri-Lane, illustrating the fiery competition between these two rugby powerhouses. The match’s intensity escalated as Nasser managed to score a vital try just before halftime, propelling the momentum in favor of Australia.
However, as the second half unfolded, New Zealand mounted an impressive comeback, taking the lead with two quick scores. The match seemed poised to descend into a nail-biting finish until a moment of brilliance emerged from Maddison Levi. Renowned for her striking ability, Levi intercepted a critical pass and scored what ultimately became the match-winning try with just two minutes remaining. Her remarkable feat marked her as a standout in the tournament, setting a women’s SVNS Series record with 15 tries throughout the event.
Post-match, a visibly moved Nasser reflected on the team’s collective effort, expressing pride in both the seasoned players and the newcomers who had stepped up during pivotal moments. “We just have such a tight-knit group. The young ones really showed up today, and I’m sure they will the rest of the season. We’ve got such a young, mature group, so the best is yet to come,” she stated.
The victory at Dubai marks a perfect start for the reigning champions as they aim to maintain their momentum throughout the season, leading the standings with a maximum of 20 points after their first tournament. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, Australia’s women are not merely aiming to defend their title; they are aspiring to elevate the standard of women’s rugby in international arenas.
In contrast, the Australian men’s team faced a more challenging tournament, concluding their journey in seventh place after a close quarterfinal loss to Argentina. Despite their setback, the men’s squad, led by Henry Paterson, displayed resilience by clinching victory in their final match against Great Britain, signaling their potential to rebound in future competitions.
The Australian women’s triumph at the Dubai Sevens encapsulates a moment of pride and promise for a team steeped in history and ambition. As they head deeper into the season, both squads of Australian rugby continue to embody the spirit of competition and camaraderie, signifying a golden era for the sport in Australia.
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