Black Ferns Sevens beat Australia at Accor Stadium to end Sydney tour
The three-match Black Ferns Sevens v Australia series was a key step in the team’s preparation, with the matches not counting as capped appearances but forming a crucial part of the build-up toward the 2026/2027 World SVNS Series, which kicks off next month in Dubai.
New faces in the Black Ferns Sevens squad
Head Coach Cory Sweeney named a 13-strong squad for the tour, with Risi Pouri-Lane captaining the team. The tour gave a first taste of the Black Ferns Sevens environment to Bay of Plenty’s 19-year-old Te Pumanawa o Toku Ate Rogers, Sariyah Paitai, Hurricanes Poua loose forward Keelah Bodle and former US college basketballer Kavanah Lene, while Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Renee Holmes was also included.
Black Ferns Sevens v Australia: Friday at Easts Rugby Club
The opening match was decided in the final minute. Jorja Miller was at the centre of the action with three try involvements, while a double from Maddison Levi kept Australia in touch. Mackenzie Davis put the hosts ahead in the second half before the Black Ferns Sevens levelled, but Kaitlin Shave scored the winner in the last minute to give Australia a 24-19 victory. rugby
Australia made a fast start in the second match, with Levi crossing for a first-half hat-trick, including the opening try inside 15 seconds. The Australians then capitalised on a yellow card with two tries to win 36-26.
Black Ferns Sevens win at Accor Stadium
Playing ahead of the Bledisloe Cup Test, the Black Ferns Sevens produced their best performance of the tour. Miller scored early to give New Zealand the lead, and Jazmin Felix-Hotham extended it before halftime for a two-try advantage at the break. A third try in the second half put the match beyond doubt, with a late Levi double adding respectability to the scoreline for Australia.
WATCH: Highlights
What’s next for the Black Ferns Sevens
The team now turns its attention to the opening round of the HSBC SVNS Series in Dubai next month.
Black Ferns Sevens v Australia results
- Australia 24-19 Black Ferns Sevens, 16 October 2026 at Easts Rugby Club, Sydney
- Australia 36-26 Black Ferns Sevens, 16 October 2026 at Easts Rugby Club, Sydney
- Black Ferns Sevens 21-12 Australia, 17 October 2026 at Accor Stadium, Sydney
