Australia sealed a spectacular double triumph in Bordeaux, retaining their HSBC SVNS World Championship Series crown and completing an unbeaten run with a commanding final win over New Zealand.
At Stade Atlantique, the Australians added the Bordeaux title to last week’s victory in Valladolid, confirming their dominance of the series with back-to-back tournament wins and the overall world title.
The final was an intense, high-speed battle from the outset. Heidi Dennis and Maddison Levi powered Australia into a 14-7 halftime lead in a physical first half defined by heavy tackles and rapid-fire tries, with Manaia Nuku striking back for New Zealand to keep the contest alive.
New Zealand responded again in the second half through Katelyn Vahaakolo, but their momentum collapsed as injuries continued to disrupt their campaign. Already missing Stacey Waaka and Mahina Paul, they lost Risi Pouri-Lane at a crucial moment, immediately punished by a Faith Nathan try for Australia.
Levi, named player of the final in just her second match of the tournament in Bordeaux, delivered the decisive blow with her second try to seal victory. Kelsey Teneti’s late score after the hooter reduced the margin to 26-19, but only as consolation.
Canada secured third place with a win over USA, while Spain’s eighth-place finish earned them promotion to next season’s HSBC SVNS Series alongside Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, France, Fiji and Japan.
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