The SVNS World Series returns to Australia as Perth welcomes some of the best Rugby players in the world to HBF Park.
All eyes will be on hosts Australia as they look to go one better than their dual second-place finishes in 2024.
Watch every match of this week's Perth SVNS live and on-demand, exclusively on Stan Sport.
The Aussies enjoyed mixed fortunes to begin with the men's heartbreaking 31-26 extra-time defeat to Argentina preceding the women's dominant 31-7 win over China.
The second round of Aussie fixtures followed a similar pattern with the men going down 10-7 to South Africa before the woman ran rampant over Spain 43-0.
However, the Friday headlines came from abroad with Uruguay's men defeating both Fiji and New Zealand and Brazilian legend Thalia Costa bringing up her 100th SVNS try.
Recap all the action in the live blog below or watch it live on Stan Sport
*Note all blog times are AWST
2' Who else but Maddi Levi to get the ball rolling for Australia? Tia Hinds looks right to the star winger, who bumped off one, recycled possession off the deck and scorched the right flank to open their account. Hinds converts and it's a seven-point game. Australia 7-0
4' Another Maddi Levi try! This time it's Teagan who creates the space with a bustling run and her offload finds Faith Nathan with the shift left to an unmarked Maddi. Australia 12-0
6' Can Maddi Levi leave some tries for the rest of the team?! That's a first-half hat-trick for Maddi with the elder Levi crossing out wide again from a scrum play. Great work in the lead-up from Faith Nathan to create the 1-1. Australia 17-0
9' Faith Nathan gets in on the action with a lovely sweeping overs line that leaves Spain defenders in her wake. That's try number four for Australia. Australia 22-0
10' Skipper Bella Nasser gets in on the action, picking and driving from close range after a sharps break from Nathan. Extras added, lead extended. Australia 29-0
12' Ruby Nicholas has Teagan Levi to thank for that one - lovely pill right in the bread basket puts the flying Nicholas away in space and over for a sixth try. Australia 36-0
14' Mackenzie Davis - take a bow! Great work in the lead-up from Kahli Henwood puts Davis in space and she is lightning quick. That's seven of the best for Australia. Australia 43-0
Les Bleus have ended their opening day with a 21-0 win over China.
The plucky Chinese tested France early but couldn't handle Les Bleus either side of half time with Valetine Lothoz, Anne-Cecile Ciofani and Ian Jason dotting down.
The result means France is guaranteed quarter final qualification in the women's draw.
4' South Africa's Donavon Don has drawn first blood with a 4th minute try to open the Blitzboks' account against Australia. Great vision from Ricky Duartee in the lead-up. South Africa 5-0
5' Dewald Human has bottled a certain try there - dropped a chip and chase regather less than a metre from the tryline. That's a lucky escape for Australia.
6' James Turner equalises for Australia! Ggreat vision from Henry Hutchison there to find Turner in space and the pacy back was never in doubt. Conversion is money and Australia take the lead. Australia 7-5
11' David Brits has put the Blitzboks back in front! Selwyn Davis' defensive pressure forced the error and Brits cashes in! South Africa 10-7
14' Heartbreak for the Aussie men as a penalty kick fails to find touch and South Africa close out a 10-7 win. Australia's hopes of QF qualification hinge on tomorrow's clash with the USA - they must win that encounter by at least four points and rely on other results to fall in their favour.
Faitala Talapusi went from villain to hero as USA produced a thrilling 24-19 overtime victory over Argentina in a Pool A classic.
Luciano Gonzalez was outstanding for Los Pumas who held a 19-12 lead until Jack Wendling's final play heroics in regular time tied things up.
Talapusi missed what would've been the match-winning conversion but made amends with a runaway try in extra time to snatch victory and deliver a crucial win for the USA in a congested pool.
The Black Fern Sevens delivered an ominous warning to their rivals with an emphatic 46-0 thrashing of last year's champs Ireland.
Risi Pouri-Lane and Dhys Faleafaga bagged doubles in the eight-try rout with Ireland hapless against the two-time Olympic gold medalists.
Four tries in the opening five minutes set the tone with New Zealand now set for a Pool A deciding clash with unbeaten Japan tomorrow.
The Sakura Sevens' 19-12 comeback victory over Brazil was one of Japan's best but those in the stands will remember this one for a great's milestone try.
Thalia Costa racked up her 100th and 101st SVNS Series tries in a brilliant individual display that almost inspired Brazil to victory.
Trailing 12-0 thanks to Costa's early double, Japan needed a spark and found it in Honoka Tsutsumi before a second-half fightback saw Marin Kajiki and Suzuha Okamoto put the Sakura back in front with a minute to play.
There was late drama as Brazil broke away into Japan's 22 but substitute Seika Ohashi had the last laugh with a clutch turnover sealing the deal in this Pool A clash.
An undermanned France did enough to see off Great Britain 12-0 in a scrappy men's Pool C affair.
Yellow cards against try-scorer Jordan Sepho and Enzo Benmegal kept Team GB in the hunt but Celian Pouzelgues' 11th minute try stretched the lead just enough.
Not much to write home about from this one - let's hope the on-field action picks up after that one!
A fast-starting Spain has condemned Ireland to yet another loss with Eduardo Lopez playing chief destroyer in a 21-5 men's Pool B clash.
Alejandro La Forga pinballed his way to Spain's opening score before Lopez's brace either side of half time had Ireland reeling at 21-0.
A 10th minute try to Inigo O'Brien kept the Irish dream alive but time was their enemy as Spain wound down the clock.
There could be trouble for Spanish veteran Pol Pla though who went unpunished for a flying knee off the ball.
Olympic Bronze medallists USA staved off a hard-nosed Great Britain with Ariana Ramsey the difference in their 26-5 Pool B women’s clash.
All eyes were on breakout star Nia Tolliver following her 4th minute opener but it was Ramsey that stole the limelight with a match-turning hat-trick.
The 24-year-old dual Olympian was sensational with her quickfire brace after half-time snuffing out Ellie Boatman’s try and any late British resistance.
A clutch performance from Canadian star Olivia Apps has secured a comeback 14-12 victory over Fiji.
Veteran Apps sealed the comeback win with a late defensive read to shut down a Fijian kick through the line, having earlier scored the equalising try and kicked the crucial go-ahead conversion.
Carissa Norsten opened the try account for Canada but Fijiana Sevens had plenty of chances with Iliaspeci Delaiwau and Lavena Cavuru touching down in the first half.
Powerhouse Fiji have narrowly dodged their second upset loss of the day after defeating Kenya 21-14 in a dramatic Pool C men's clash.
The Kenyans rocketed out to an early advantage via Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa, who regathered his own kick in-goal, and Samuel Asati’s 5th minute try had Fiji on the rocks.
But the Fijians were not be denied this time with Joji Nasova (2) and Joseva Talacolo touching down to retake the lead.
There was a late twist in the tale as Amaitsa shot away in the final play but he couldn’t escape Viwa Naduvalo, who produced a match-winning tackle.
Vamos los Teros! Uruguay have doubled down after their historic Fiji victory by defeating New Zealand 17-12 in their best ever men's day on the SVNS circuit!
Ignacio Rodriguez's first-half double and the goalkicking of Juan Manuel Tafernaberry proved the difference as New Zealand were left to bemoan a scoreless second half that ticked away from them.
Alfonso Vidal's turnover was critical in the dying minutes as Uruguay expertly milked the clock with Tafernaberry's late penalty goal icing another famous win.
Les Bleus' women proved too strong for Spain, running out 33-5 bonus-point victors against their European rivals despite a tight first half.
Hada Traore needed just 40 seconds to open France’s account with a lovely solo effort but the Spanish scrapped hard to return serve via Marta Cantabrana for a 7-5 ledger.
However, a time penalty from the conversion attempt cruelled Spain’s hopes with Alycia Chrystiaens scoring on the half time hooter and then immediately after oranges to open a 21-7 lead before late tries to Lou Noel and Anne-Cecile Ciofani added a French cherry on top.
The Aussie women's side have swept past China for a 31-7 win.
Charlotte Caslick scored twice and set up another for the easy victory.
Follow the recap of the action below
Starting 7: Kahli Henwood, Maddison Levi, Demi Hayes, Faith Nathan, Kiiahla Duff, Teagan Levi, Charlotte Caslick
2': Charlotte Caslick burns the defence for the opener as they break down some solid China defence Australia 5-0
4': Caslick makes it two as she burns her defender to race away for the try Australia 12-0
7': Caslick comes up with the turnover to set Maddison Levi into space, running 90 metres for the try Australia 17-0
9': Demi Hayes eases away for the try under the posts to start the second half Australia 24-0
10': Teagan Levi extends the lead as the Aussies start to piece apart the tired Chinese defence Australia 31-0
12': Mackenzie Davis thought she had the intercept try but it's called back for offside
13': Dou Xinrong gets a consolation try for China Australia 31-7
South Africa have struck late for a 24-19 win over the USA to conclude the first round of men's action
The Blitzboks scored after 17 seconds but the Americans kept in the fight as Will Chevalier scored twice for a narrow lead.
Lucas Lacamp extended the advantage to score 19 unanswered points, only for Selvyn Davids to hit straight back.
The Blitzboks was denied a try for a clear forward pass but couldn't be denied with 30 seconds to go as Ronald Brown got the winner
Australia have nearly produced an epic comeback, going down 31-26 to Argentina in extra-time.
Argentina raced out to a 19-point lead before Liam Barry's men came out swinging.
They scored three straight tries as Hayden Sargeant's kick set up extra-time, only for Tobias Wade to silence the home crowd.
Follow the recap of the match below
Aussie 7s starting side: Henry Hutchison, Ben Dowling, Aden Ekanayake, Jayden Blake, Michael Icely, Maurice Longbottom, Michael Icely
2': Matteo Graziano carries two over the line for the opener Argentina 7-0
3': Welcome back Maurice Longbottom! The legend shows off the trademark step to put James Turner into space, who slides cancel to get past his defender as score Argentina 7-5
5': Luciano Gonzalez slices through the middle for the instant response Argentina 14-5
7': Joaquin Pellandini extends the lead after a well-worked team try from sideline-to-sideline Argentina 21-5
9': Tobias Wade sprints past the defence to add to the score Argentina 26-5
11': Sid Harvey strikes back for the Aussies after a Ben Dowling break Argentina 26-12
12': Matt Gonzalez wins the restart and scores to give Australia a sniff at the comeback as Argentina lose Santiago Mare to the bin Argentina 26-19
13': Australia hunting for a mistake but get pinged for not releasing the tackler as the ball spills out
14': James Turner scores on the siren, with Hayden Sargeant's kick fading inside the post to send the game to extra time!! 26-all
15': Argentina produce the winner as Wade crosses for his second Argentina 31-26
New Zealand have started Perth in their usual fashion, taking a 40-7 lead over Brazil.
Captain Sarah Hirni was one of three early try scorers before Thalia Costa crossed for her 99th try on the circuit.
Risi Pouri-Lane hit back right at half-time as Jorja Miller continued the onslaught after the break.
Katelyn Vahaakolo crossed for a hat-trick as the Kiwis eased their way home
Japan have fought valiantly to take a 14-7 win over Ireland in Pool A action for the women.
Robyn O'Connor opened the scoring, with Japan's Chiaki Saegusa levelling the scores at the break.
The Japanese extended their lead after the break over the defending Perth champions, who were missing the majority of their starting side from that win 12 months ago.
Ireland fought until the end but Japan held tough to secure the win
France's defence has proved the difference to take a 14-5 win over Ireland
Paulin Riva celebrated his 50th tournament with a double, scoring the first inside 90 seconds.
A yellow card to the French opened the space for Ireland to score their first before defence dominated the second half.
Ireland couldn't find a way through as the Olympic champs held tough
Back to the men as Spain have taken a 12-7 win over GB to continue their brilliant start to the year
Jaime Manteca continued Spain's great start to the Series with the first try, with Pol Pla doing what he does best for try #103.
Charlton Kerr got the Brits on the board with a great solo try but Spain held tough to secure the win
The USA have taken a late 21-19 win over Fiji thanks to breakout star Nia Toliver
The Fijians struck first through via Ilisapeci Delaiwau before Toliver got her 14th try of the World Series.
Ariana Ramsey's try a minute before half-time gave America a two-point lead, only for Fiji to score either side of the break to take the lead.
However, Toliver continues her dream start to the season to put the USA in front with 50 seconds remaining.
Canada have locked up a 38-5 win over Great Britain in the first women's match of the day.
Asia Hogan-Rochester and returning star Olivia Apps pieced apart the GB defence, with Hogan-Rochester scoring the first two before Apps closed out the half with a five-pointer.
Apps got her second try after the break as she capitalised on a beautiful no-look ball from Mahalia Robinson.
Carmen Izyk's double sealed the win with two tries in the last 90 seconds..
Uruguay have pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Sevens history with a 24-17 win over series leaders Fiji.
Fiji defeated Uruguay 70-7 in South Africa and looked set for a similar result when they raced out to a 17-0 lead.
However, the Uruguayans scored before and after half-time via Dante Soto and Ignacio Facciolo as they rode the momentum.
Juan Tafernaberry put them in front with three minutes left as Fiji had little answers, with Pedro Hoblog sealing a famous win
New Zealand have overcome a quality Kenyan side 29-14 to open the men's competition in Perth
Rookie Frank Vaenuku got NZ off to a flyer before captain George Ooro Angeyo responded before the break for the Kenyans, who had significant support in the crowds.
Regan Ware struck three minutes after the half-time whistle for a 14-7 lead at the break, with Patrick Odongo Okong'o levelling the scores
The New Zealanders eventually kicked clear through tries to Andrew Knewstubb and Cody Vai, with Ngarohi McGarvey-Black finishing the game with a try and a mana wave
A reminder of the fixtures for day one of Perth in this opening slot of matches.
The 'Euro Pool' of surprise packets Spain, Great Britain, Ireland and France will be a must-watch on the men's side alongside Argentina-Australia.
For the Women, Fiji v USA will be entertaining in a contrast of styles, with defending champions Ireland looking to recapture the magic against Japan, the big improvers of 2024.
Fixtures
Men's Pool C
New Zealand v Kenya - 11:00 am (2:00 pm)
Fiji v Uruguay - 11:22 am (2:22 pm)
Women's Pool B
Canada v Great Britain - 11:44 am (2:44 pm)
USA v Fiji - 12:06 pm (3:06 pm)
Men's Pool B
Spain v Great Britain - 12:28 pm (3:28 pm)
France v Ireland - 12:50 pm (3:50 pm)
Women's Pool A
Japan v Ireland - 1:12 pm (4:12 pm)
New Zealand v Brazil - 1:34 pm (4:34 pm)
Men's Pool A
Argentina v Australia - 2:01 pm (5:01 pm)
South Africa v USA - 2:23 pm (5:23 pm)
Women's Pool C
Australia v China - 2:45 pm (5:45 pm)
France v Spain - 3:07 pm (6:07 pm)
Hello, Nathan here and the SVNS World Series is back, and the teams are preparing to enter HBF Park for three days of entertaining action.
Hot conditions welcome teams to Perth as the mercury hits just over 30 degrees to start the day, below the 43 degrees initially forecast to start the week.
The day will commence in just over an hour with New Zealand first to take the field against Kenya, followed by fan favourites Fiji against Uruguay.
Australian fans will have to wait until after 2pm local time (or 5:00 pm AEDT/4:00 pm AEST) as the men take on Argentina, followed by the women facing South Africa.
1. Henry Hutchison (c)
2. Ben Dowling
9. Matt Gonzalez
10. Ben Dalton
11. Maurice Longbottom
13. Jayden Blake
14. James Turner
15. Sid Harvey
23. Aden Ekanayake
25. Hayden Sargeant
29. Josh Turner
71. Hadley Tonga*
87. Michael Icely
* denotes debut
1. Piper Simons
3. Faith Nathan
4. Mackenzie Davis
5. Teagan Levi
7. Charlotte Caslick
9. Tia Hinds
10. Isabella Nasser (c)
11. Demi Hayes
12. Maddison Levi
13. Heidi Dennis
15. Kahli Henwood
23. Ruby Nicholas
28. Kiiahla Duff
Australia Sevens Fixtures for Perth
POOL A - AUSTRALIA MEN
- Friday, January 24: Australia v Argentina (2:01pm AWST; 5:01pm AEDT)
- Friday, January 24: Australia v South Africa (7:52pm AWST; 10:52pm AEDT)
- Saturday, January 25: Australia v USA (1:28pm AWST; 4:28pm AEDT)
POOL C - AUSTRALIA WOMEN
- Friday, January 24: Australia v China (2:45pm AWST; 5:45pm AEDT)
- Friday, January 24: Australia v Spain (8:36pm AWST; 11:36pm AEDT)
- Saturday, January 25: Australia v France (4:09pm AWT; 7:09pm AEDT)
