The Australian women's Rugby Sevens team secured a silver medal, while the Australian men's team earned a bronze medal at the Perth Sevens World Series tournament.
Both Australian teams advanced undefeated from Saturday's pool play, with the men's team overcoming New Zealand for the first time in nine matches, and the women's team dominating their pool.
The tournament also saw a key player injury for the men's team early in the event.
Day One: Pool Play and Semifinal Qualification
Men's Team Performance
The Australian men's team achieved victories against New Zealand (21-14), France (29-14), and Great Britain (24-21). The win against New Zealand ended a nine-match losing streak for the Australian men's team against their rivals. During the match against New Zealand, Australian player Will Cartwright sustained a dislocated shoulder in the initial minutes and was not expected to participate further in the tournament.
In their match against Great Britain, Australia secured a 24-21 win after Hadley Tonga scored a try following the final siren. Australia had initially led 19-0 before Great Britain scored three consecutive tries to take a 21-19 lead. This result contributed to New Zealand's progression to the semifinals at Great Britain's expense. The men's team subsequently prepared to face South Africa in the semifinals.
Women's Team Performance
The Australian women's team remained undefeated on Saturday, securing victories against Great Britain (54-5), France (26-12), and Canada (38-10). Heidi Dennis scored a hat-trick of tries in the large victory over Great Britain. Maddison Levi contributed a try against Great Britain, two against France, and two against Canada during the group stage. This performance followed a 36-7 defeat to New Zealand in the Singapore Sevens final. The women's team was scheduled to compete against the USA in the semifinals.
Playing Conditions
Both Australian teams competed in temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius during the initial stages of the tournament.
Day Two: Semifinals and Medal Matches
Women's Tournament
The Australian women's team defeated the USA 26-5 in their semi-final match, with Maddison Levi scoring two tries. In the final, Australia was defeated by New Zealand with a score of 29-7. Heidi Dennis scored an early try for Australia in the final. This result marked New Zealand's third tournament win against Australia in four events during the current season. The Australian women's team secured a silver medal.
Men's Tournament
The Australian men's team was defeated by South Africa 28-12 in their semi-final match. Australia then competed against New Zealand in the bronze medal match, securing a 12-10 victory. In this match, Josh Turner scored a try with 10 seconds remaining, and Ben Dowling converted after the final siren to secure the win. The match also involved Australia captain Henry Hutchison and a late yellow card issued to New Zealand's Kitiona Vai. The Australian men's team earned a bronze medal.
Overall Tournament Outcomes
In the men's final, South Africa defeated Fiji 21-19 to claim the gold medal.
Season Standings
Following four events in the series, Fiji holds the top position in the men's rankings, with South Africa in second and New Zealand third. Australia is currently ranked fifth in the men's standings.