Australia’s rugby world champs have triumphed in the Cape Town Sevens after holding on bravely when down to just six players to edge a drama-filled final against France.
But it was again a very different story on Sunday (Monday AEDT) for the Aussie men who, having excelled to reach their final, were hammered in the showdown by Argentina.
Pride of place, though, again went to Charlotte Caslick’s outfit who, for the second week running after lifting the Dubai Sevens crown seven days earlier, were a class apart in annexing the title at the same Cape Town venue where they lifted last year’s World Cup.
But they only prevailed after an extraordinary final, clinging on to beat France 29-26 in a pulsating contest which saw star player Maddison Levi play both the hero and villain of the piece, scoring two tries before being shown red for a dangerous shoulder-led tackle.
Australia players celebrate the cup final win over France on day two of the HSBC SVNS at Cape Town Stadium on 10 December, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo credit: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby
Levi, who on Saturday had become the quickest player to reach 100 tries in women’s world series matches, had again shone on Sunday, scoring twice in the 24-14 quarter-final win over Ireland and creating another in the 33-5 semi-final victory over USA.
Levi’s double in the final, which took her tournament-leading tally to nine tries, allied to other first-half scores for Faith Nathan and Sharni Smale, put Australia 22-0 clear and seemingly out of sight.
But the match’s whole complexion changed when she was shown red for her reckless challenge on Camille Grassineau as the French hit back to make it 22-14 by the interval.
Forced to play the entire second half with six, Australia demonstrated grit to hold the French, with newcomer Kaitlin Shave’s lightning break down the left edge earning their key try with two minutes left.
“It was just a really gutsy effort with just six players, super brave from the girls. I’m so proud of them,” said captain Caslick.
She said they were playing for key teammate Demi Hayes, who had suffered what had looked a serious non-contact knee injury in the Ireland match.
“We obviously had Demi at the back of our minds out there, we’re hoping she gets a positive result from her scan later,” she said.
Madi Ashby, the player of the final, added: “Oh my god, it broke our hearts seeing her on the ground there, she’s one of our sisters. We wanted to win it for her.”
In the men’s event, Australia bounced back after their disappointing weekend in Dubai, where they came seventh, by defeating last week’s winners and hosts South Africa 28-0 in the quarter-finals – Nathan Lawson scoring twice – and then downing Olympic champs Fiji 24-7 with four tries in the semis.
But it all went wrong in the final once captain Nick Malouf got a first-half yellow card for a poor challenge and Argentina went on to roll them over 45-12, featuring seven tries.
The teams will next be in action in their home Perth tournament in six weeks time where the men should have sevens new boy and former Wallabies’ captain Michael Hooper in their ranks.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Here you go again Gubba! Keep trolling as you appear to know nothing better to come up with!
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
youre the typical insecure hater/ troll.. im sure you sent a ton of d. threats during the cup .. clown
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
As mentioned above, if they fielded a Māori womens 7s team with the talent in the NZ and Aus teams it would be pretty much unbeatable.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
To be expected from the Oz Gubba Bro!
Fats
Roar Rookie
Yeah, when I lived in Aussie from 1983-1988 they called us Maussies.....Maori Australians :laughing: :thumbup:
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Sorry Fats, I can't help you out with Wahine Bienne, but we've also noticed how there's at least two or three of those Wahine's Aussie 7's players that are seemingly still very much into their Aotearoa culture, with their moko's showing out for all to see.
Bennett
Roar Rookie
232 is pretty good. How old is she? must be time to hang up the boots.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
TBH it’s utterly ridiculous that they are allowed to do this, as it’s meant to be nation against nation, not nation against nations! This has also taken the credibility away from the Olympics as well, knowing they have always boasted that it’s the greatest games with nation against nation! We also should combine some of OUR SH nations, if that’s the case!
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
I think it (England, Wales, Scotland combining) happens every Olympic year so they can go the games as the Great Britian side with a bit of cohesion.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
So obviously it's you that's the troll, fool, as I'm a Kiwi, or is it you just can't handle the truth!! ffs !!
Fats
Roar Rookie
I absolutely enjoy watching the Australian 7s Wahine play. They are very skilled and keep the Black Fern sisters on their toes with their exceptional talent and the results show through. I have a question...I played College 1stXV Rugby with 3 Terita brothers, Paulie,a very fast wing, Rocky, a tough,robust Lock and the youngest, Karnie, a very solid and skilled midfielder. Can anyone out there in Aussie fandom tell me which one sired that special talent named Bienne Terita?....no biggie, I'm just curious.
Hugh_96
Roar Pro
Caslick is such a smart player. Her average game is so high it’s astonishing. I can’t get over the consistency of her defence & work over the ball in the ruck. Doesn’t shirk anything, not just a glamour play maker.
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Haha what an insecure comment.. must be a kiwi hater at it again..just bc your team got whooped bad by the Irish..troll on
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Wrong Bennett, as she was there for the Black Ferns over this CapeTown tournament. She actually added to her try tally as well, which is up around 232. Good to see her back, as her team mate Blyde also joined her in the 200 club in this tournament. Seeing the current World Champs the Black Ferns, who won the last World Series & the last 7's RWC, along with the last Olympic Gold, is seeing them not quite up to their usual standards. With Hirini out, & Nathan-Wong due to return plus a couple of others returning, hopefully they will be on the improve.
Hhhmmmm
Roar Rookie
It would be nice to see some media coverage of the success the women are having, instead all they want to do is stick the boot in where they can or totally ignore rugby.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Fastest to 100 so far apparently.
Bennett
Roar Rookie
I have heard Madison has over 100 tries in her 7`s career at only 21. Who holds the women's tryscoring record in sevens ? I know Portia Woodman has over 200, but she has retired now.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
This is a very good result for Australian Rugby ..I can recall years ago when South African Rugby was in such a bad space ..Even worse than Aus Rugby today and it was doom and gloom all round , the 7s team were really doing well which kind of kept the smiles on the faces of fans ….In fact that same 7s outfit became a bit of a feeder system for the 15s team today providing a platform for the rise of the likes of Cheslin Kolbe , Kurt Lee Arendse and Kwagga Smith ..Players who are today global stars and who have brought a whole new dimension into the Bok set up.. So the role of 7s should never be underestimated ….
Hoy
Roar Guru
I thought Caslick was the best I had seen for a long time… The New Zealand girls were powerful and fast, but Caslick has been just a really smart and talented rugby player since coming in around 2015/6. M Levi is just… an athlete… And I don’t mean “just” and athlete… she is an incredible football player. I got to see the girls up close in Brisbane last month, and they were just impressive. Every single one of them. Such a good team, all in sync. Each one knows the moves to pull off, and all have skill and fitness to get the job done. Very good start to their season, and I hope they carry it all the way to Olympic Gold again.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Our fellas, in both men & womens, need a injection of sorts ATM piru!! I realise there are still some injuries in place but we do need some sort of input.