Black Ferns Sevens Win Vancouver Cup: Defeat Australia in Final
Black Ferns Sevens Claim Vancouver Glory, Extend Dominance Over Australia
Vancouver, BC – The Black Ferns Sevens continued their remarkable reign in Vancouver, securing a 24-17 victory over Australia in the final of the World Series sevens tournament on . The win marks the team’s eighth title in Vancouver, solidifying their position as the dominant force in this competition and extending their lead in the HSBC SVNS Series standings.
The match was a hard-fought contest, a familiar narrative in the rivalry between Fresh Zealand and Australia. The Black Ferns initially surged ahead, establishing a 12-0 lead with early tries from Jaymie Kolose and Jorja Miller. Miller, who has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, also contributed significantly with two crucial penalty turnovers that disrupted Australian possession and set the tone for New Zealand’s early dominance.
Australia, however, refused to yield. Maddi Levy responded with a try just before halftime, narrowing the gap and injecting momentum into the Australian side. The second half saw a seesaw battle, with both teams trading blows and demonstrating resilience under pressure.
Katelyn Vahaakolo extended the Black Ferns’ advantage to 17-5 with a try created by a powerful break from Miller, showcasing the star player’s ability to penetrate defensive lines and create opportunities for her teammates. But the Australians mounted a determined comeback, fueled by the impressive form of Levy, who scored her second try of the match, and Mackenzie Davis, who added another to level the score at 17-17 with just two minutes remaining.
With the game hanging in the balance and the Black Ferns battling through recent injuries, Stacey Waaka stepped up with a crucial break down the right wing, crossing the line to regain the lead. However, it was her subsequent play that ultimately sealed the victory. Displaying composure and vision under immense pressure, Waaka executed a risky but successful wide pass to Alena Saili, who finished the play with a converted try, securing the 24-17 win for New Zealand.
Jorja Miller’s performance was central to the Black Ferns’ success. Beyond her two tries in earlier pool play against Japan – a performance that saw her reach a milestone 100 career tries – her impact extended to defensive pressure, creating turnovers, and initiating attacking plays. Her ability to consistently make game-changing contributions underscores her importance to the team.
The victory continues New Zealand’s impressive record against Australia at BC Stadium, a venue where they have consistently excelled. The result not only secures the Vancouver title but also strengthens their position at the top of the series points table, putting them in a favorable position as the season progresses.
The tournament wasn’t without its challenges for the Black Ferns. The team navigated a tough period leading up to the final, mourning the loss of Kelsey Teneti’s kuia and contending with injuries to key players including Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, and Manaia Nuku. Despite these setbacks, coach Cory Sweeney was able to rally his team, celebrating his 48th birthday with a well-deserved victory.
The news was less positive for the New Zealand men’s team, who finished seventh in the Vancouver tournament. They suffered losses to Argentina, eventual tournament winners South Africa, and Spain. Despite the disappointing result, the New Zealand men remain third overall in the series standings, trailing Fiji and South Africa, and holding a narrow lead over Australia.
The Black Ferns Sevens’ victory in Vancouver is a testament to their skill, resilience, and depth. As they continue their campaign on the World Series circuit, they will gaze to build on this success and maintain their position as the team to beat in women’s sevens rugby.