New Zealand break Australian hearts in Vancouver after last-minute winner

Mon, Mar 9, 2026, 1:33 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson

New Zealand have made it three straight Final victories over Australia, claiming a last-minute 24-17 win in the Vancouver Final.

The Aussies charged home to set up the grandstand finish, only for Stacey Wakka to deliver Alena Saili with the game-winner with 55 seconds to go.

Watch the 2025-2026 HSBC SVNS Series live and on demand via Stan Sport.

New Zealand picked up from where they left off from past finals in a dominant opening couple of minutes.

Maddison Levi pulled off a desperate try-saver on Jayme Kolose to dislodge the ball a metre from the line, however, a loose pass from the resulting scrum landed on the goal-line for Kolose to score.

Jorja Miller continued to terrorise the Australians, winning several turnovers at the breakdown to trap them inside their half.

Miller then burst through the line for a 12-0 lead before the Aussies responded.

Sariah Paki delivered the much-needed energy, breaking the line and running 60 metres to hand off for Levi for her 17th try in a World Series Final.

The Kiwi and Miller responded quickly to start the second half with a long-range break, ending in a try to Katelyn Vahaakolo.

But the Aussies weren’t done as Levi crossed for her second, tenth of the tournament, after backing up Kahli Henwood, put through a hole by Isabella Nasser.

Mackenzie Davis then did it all herself, beating two and sprinting away to level the scores.

In the end, the class of the Kiwis was too much, with Wakka showing great awareness to throw the ball back inside for Saili to score under the posts for what would be the winner.

The Australians had one last chance to strike, but the Kiwis’ ruck dominance proved too much to handle as they turned it over and sealed the win.

Share

Latest News

The Aussies fell to New Zealand in the Hong Kong Final as part of the SVNS World Championship. Photo: World Rugby
New Zealand nabs first blood in SVNS Championship after Hong Kong title success over Australia
Hong Kong Sevens celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend. Photo: World Rugby
RECAP: Women fall in Final, men finish sixth at Hong Kong SVNS World Championship opener
Maddison Levi keeps climbing up the all-time try scorer table, entering into second place. Photo: World Rugby
Levi genes on show as Aussies power into Hong Kong semis
Australia ready for added pressure as new teams, format converge on Hong Kong for anniversary event