N※N

Australia Dominates Great Britain in Rugby Sevens Opener

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. inates-great-britain-in-rugby-sevens-opener.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 7th 2026 at 0:22 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: AUSTRALIA, UNITED KINGDOM

Perth, Australia - February 7th, 2026 - The Australian women's rugby sevens team emphatically launched their title defense at the Perth SVNS, crushing Great Britain 54-5 in a display of blistering speed and tactical prowess. This commanding victory at the HBF Park stadium sets a powerful tone for the 2026 World Rugby Sevens Series, signaling the team's intent to secure a historic third consecutive championship title.

The match, played on Saturday, saw the Australian side completely overwhelm their opponents. From the opening whistle, the 'Aussie Sevens' showcased the attacking flair and defensive solidity that has become their trademark. While the scoreline of 54-5 speaks volumes, it doesn't fully encapsulate the sheer dominance exhibited by the home team.

Faith Nathan and Maddison Levi proved to be instrumental in Australia's attacking onslaught, both expertly crossing the try line twice. Their speed and evasiveness consistently sliced through the British defense, creating opportunities for teammates. Sharni Wilkin and Olivia Porteous also contributed significantly to the try-scoring tally, demonstrating the depth and versatility within the Australian squad. The outside speed, a hallmark of the Australian team, consistently stretched the British defensive line, creating overlaps and opportunities for quick ball movement.

"It's a pretty good start, a good feeling," a satisfied coach Tim Walsh commented after the match. However, he quickly tempered the enthusiasm with a pragmatic outlook. "We know the series is a long haul and we need to keep improving." Walsh's statement underlines the intense competition within the World Rugby Sevens Series and the team's dedication to sustained peak performance.

This year's squad boasts a blend of experienced veterans and exciting new talent. The integration of these new faces is a key strategic focus for Walsh. "We've got a few new faces in the squad this season, and to see them perform so well today is great," he noted, highlighting the successful blending of experience and youthful energy. Sources indicate that several players making their series debut today were identified through the recently revamped national development pathways, signalling a strengthening of grassroots rugby sevens in Australia.

Great Britain, on the other hand, appeared disjointed and struggled to establish any consistent rhythm throughout the match. Their defensive structure frequently crumbled under the relentless Australian attack, and their attempts to gain possession were often thwarted by aggressive Australian tackling. While they managed a late consolation try, it served only to reduce the margin of defeat, offering little solace after such a comprehensive loss. Analysts point to a lack of cohesion in their attack and an inability to adapt to the Australian's high-tempo game as key factors in their underperformance.

The Australian women's team are not just aiming for a third consecutive title; they're also hoping to build a legacy of sustained success and inspire a new generation of female rugby players in Australia. The popularity of sevens rugby has surged in recent years, fueled by its inclusion in the Olympic Games, and the Australian team is at the forefront of this growth.

Following this dominant opening victory, Australia faces a potentially challenging match against France later Saturday evening. France are known for their physicality and tactical astuteness, promising a far more competitive encounter. The Australian team will need to maintain their intensity and precision if they are to secure another victory and continue their undefeated run at the Perth SVNS. Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest, expecting another showcase of world-class rugby sevens action. The French team, fresh off a training camp in Corsica, are reported to have implemented new defensive strategies specifically designed to counter the Australian's speed. The match is expected to be a tactical battle as much as a physical one.

The stakes are high as the World Rugby Sevens Series progresses, with teams vying for crucial points to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Australia's strong start puts them in a prime position, but with several other contenders vying for supremacy, the road to the championship will be long and demanding.