Australia women secure fifth consecutive title in Dubai Sevens
- Australia won the Dubai Sevens final against New Zealand, thanks to a decisive intercept try by Maddison Levi.
- The Australian women have established dominance in the women's sevens rugby, previously winning multiple prestigious titles.
- This victory emphasizes the continued rivalry between Australia and New Zealand, while also highlighting Fiji's return to winning form in men's rugby.
In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on December 1, 2024, the Australian women's sevens rugby team achieved a remarkable feat by winning their fifth consecutive title at the Dubai Sevens. This victory came in a thrilling final against their longstanding rivals, New Zealand. The match showcased intense competition as Australia initially surged ahead, thanks to tries from Faith Nathan and Teagan Levi, giving them a 14-0 lead. However, New Zealand fought back valiantly, with tries from Jorja Miller and Risi Pouri-Lane narrowing the gap to just 14-12. With only two minutes remaining, Maddison Levi executed a spectacular 90-meter intercept try, a pivotal moment that secured the win for Australia and marked her fifteenth try of the tournament, setting a new record for the most tries in a single tournament by a woman in the world series, surpassing New Zealand's Portia Woodman-Wickliffe's previous record. The match was another demonstration of the dominance of Australia and New Zealand in women's sevens rugby, both of whom have historically ruled the sport, having clinched major titles such as the Olympics, World Cups, and the series title multiple times. In the men's competition, Fiji achieved a significant milestone by ending their title drought, winning Dubai for the first time since 2015. Fiji's last victory prior to this was in Toulouse in May 2022, making this triumph even more significant for the team and coach Osea Kolinisau, who expressed his relief and joy at overcoming the long wait for success. Both Australia's and Fiji's victories at this event highlight the deep rivalries and historical significance of the Dubai Sevens in the world of rugby.