Australia have delivered one of their finest performances to defeat New Zealand 28-26 in the Perth Final.
Tim Walsh’s side showed incredible character with no Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan, both on the sidelines after injuries on day two.
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It provided the opportunity for Heidi Dennis to announce herself on the world stage, scoring a double to get Australia home and claim player of the final.
The Kiwis threw everything at the hosts but the hosts rallied in front of a boisterous home crowd to seal their first title of 2025.
It was a frenetic 14 minutes as both teams traded tries throughout the contest in the Final.
Michaela Brake (née Blyde) got the Kiwis off to a flyer as she broke free and sprinted away in the opening minute for the first try.
Dennis was quick to respond in Levi’s absence, punishing the Kiwis after they failed to put the kick-off ten metres.
Tia Hinds gave Australia the lead close to half-time after a great snipe and step to break free from the defence.
This was answered by Kelsey Teneti, who backed up Sarah Hirini’s break from the kick off to tie the game 14-all at the break.
Needing a spark, up stepped Charlotte Caslick, sprinting past the defence to give Australia the lead.
Brake was quick to level the scores, setting up the grandstand finish.
Up stepped Teagen Levi, racing through the line and throwing the risky ball to Dennis, who collected and ran away for her second.
Risi Pouri-Lane gave the Kiwis hope with a late try, but was unable to convert the tough kick from close to the sidelines.
It allowed the Australians to collect the kickoff and close out the final minute of the game.
It was scrappy, but Mackenzie Davis was there to dive on the loose ball and put it down over their own in-goal to close the game out.
The win gives Australia redemption after their shock loss to Ireland 12 months ago.
