Maddison Levi and her sister Teagan have inspired Australia’s rugby women to a blistering triumph in the season-opening Dubai Sevens, while dynamiting New Zealand’s world-record 41-match unbeaten streak.
Dual-code star Maddison ended a magnificent tournament with a world series record of 12 tries in a single event as the Aussie World Cup winners defeated their great trans-Tasman rivals 26-19 in the final on Sunday.
And her younger sister Teagan stepped up with a match-winning performance in the final, scoring two key tries and notching 14 points as Australia became the first team ever to win the same world series women’s event four times in a row in the UAE desert.
In doing so, they also ended the New Zealanders’ air of invincibility as the reigning world series champions were finally beaten after a year when they set a women’s world record of 41 straight series wins which began after Australia had beaten them in the 2022 Dubai final.
Maddison Levi, the 21-year-old recently short-listed as women’s world sevens player of the year after scoring a record 57 tries in last season’s series, was the driving force and it felt fitting she should plough through two tackles and go over for the crucial trophy-deciding try in the final with the scores locked at 19-19.
But it was the former AFLW star’s 20-year-old sibling Teagan, also previously drafted by the Gold Coast Suns, who was the player of the final, scoring a robust try just before halftime to give the Australians a 14-12 interval lead after Jorja Miller’s double had put New Zealand in control.
World rookie sevens player of the year Miller went on to land a hat-trick but Teagan scored another soon after the interval and Maddison Levi grabbed the decider, with Australia’s powerhouse opening try scorer in the final, 20-year-old Bienne Tarita, also having a big say.
Australian players pose with their medals after winning the final against New Zealand during the HSBC SVNS rugby tournament on December 3, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Martin Dokoupil/Getty Images)
Earlier, Maddison Levi had scored two sensational efforts in a 21-14 semi-final win over France, the second of which came from almost her own tryline when the Aussies were down to six women after a red card for a second dangerous tackle from their enforcer, AlysiaLefau-Fakaosilea.
In the quarters, Maddison Levi had also scored another two tries in the 32-5 win over the USA.
“It’s amazing,” said Australian captain Charlotte Caslick. “It was disappointing losing Alysia for the final, but it shows the depth we’ve been creating, and Bienne stepped up to have a blinder. It’s just awesome.
“Teagan, she’s unbelievable, had an amazing pre-season, we’re all getting to see the hard work she’s done. We’ve all worked so hard for this.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s men’s team have a lot to work on after they got knocked out in the quarter-finals by South Africa, coach John Manenti admitted.
The Blitzboks’ 24-7 win was Australia’s third defeat of the weekend, with only a Nathan Lawson try to show for their efforts in the last-eight loss.
They later bounced back to beat the USA 26-12 in the seventh place playoff, featuring two more scores for Lawson and other tries from Dietrich Roache and Maurice Longbottom.
Having brushed aside the Aussies, South Africa went on to beat Argentina 12-7 in the men’s final.
Waza
Roar Rookie
Our Aussie girls were once again sensational ! The Levi sisters executed their roles within the team with clinical excellence. Don’t compare them just applaud ???? enjoy their efforts & talent. The foundation of a hugely powerful, lightning quick backline is developing for the Women’s World Cup here in OZ. The Blackferns backline in the last tournament was in majority the sevens players and that’s why they won the chocolates. Their playing continuity was brilliantly displayed throughout the tournament. We should take note with our selection policy and have the best available on the park for all World Cups imo.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
You’re a scream if you think that. Ffs RIP JONAH
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yeh right, as far as comparing her or anyone else with Jona RIP. Is she playing at between 70 & 80% fitness as Jonah did throughout his career?? Hardly, as she’s nowhere near what Lomu did in his time overall! Get a grip! Honestly
Rejack
Roar Rookie
I disagree, Madison Levi is the womans modern day version of Jonah Lomu. Size Pace power extreme speed a deadly fend and can bust tackles. Teagan is ok, but doesn`t have any of those skillsets Madison has, she is not in Madisons class.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Was pondering where Teagan could play in 15s, agree possibly 12.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Agree Maddi’s defence needs a bit of work. It’s different these days but back in the day Campo’s attack offset his miserable defence.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH most on Stan are not good as even SBW is another along with Harrison & a few others, that are substandard. But Maloney can’t keep up with the run of play, let alone call the names of players! When he does call players names he has the habit of getting the pronunciation wrong just like Horan, after all the years he’s been there!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Haha time will tell, as I’m not inclined to make those assumptions! She good but her younger sister is better overall!
Jed
Roar Rookie
Not anymore.
Jed
Roar Rookie
Madi has brushed the AFLW. She was placed on the Suns' inactive list On October 2021 in order to pursue a full-time position with the national rugby sevens team.
Jed
Roar Rookie
At least Merhtens has been given the flick, can`t stand that maroon.
Jed
Roar Rookie
And duly showed why. Madi will be the best Womens Rugby sevens player of all time.
Jed
Roar Rookie
Madi Levi is better than Mark Nawaqanitawase. FACT :thumbup: For starters she runs straight and hard and can tackle.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Tegan would/will be a very good inside centre in 15s IMO.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Even though the Black Fern's were ranked No.1 for the tournament the Australian women, were the defending champs of this Dubai tournament.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
On attack Maddi is the better when she has space, to which they do capitalise on her being there. But in truth her defence is not up to the standard of her younger sister Teagan, as has been shown out in past games. If anything when they do cross to XV's it'll be Teagan that'll stand out.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
It’s still the head coaches call
RD
Roar Rookie
These girls are the flag bearers of Australian rugby. Well played all of you. Special call out for the Levi sisters who were stupendous.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Have been a Teagan fan since she debuted in Dubai 2021, you could see the potential. But Teagan and Maddi play different positions & have different roles. Its like saying who is better the striker or mid fielder, you can't, you need both.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
You will never get a commentary team that everyone likes, personally I'm not a fan of Rikki Swannell. I was irritated by a couple of the commentators during the WXV but its all just an opinion.