Jorja Miller scores birthday double as NZ book spot in SVNS Perth decider

Jorja Miller is one win away from a dream birthday celebration at HSBC SVNS Perth, with the Black Ferns Sevens booking their place in the decider with a 24-14 win over France on a scorching Sunday afternoon at HBF Park.

New Zealand will face arch-rivals Australia for the fourth time in as many Cup Finals this season, after the tournament hosts overcame the USA 26-5. The Black Ferns Sevens are searching for their first title in Western Australia, while Aussie are one win away from defending their crown.

Both SVNS Series juggernauts powered through day one with perfect 3-0 records, which included a 54-5 win over Great Britain for Australia. New Zealand and Australia have been the teams to beat all season, and both sides backed up their reputations on the second day of play.

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Risi Pouri-Lane led New Zealand out onto the field just after midday in Perth, with France wearing their alternative white jerseys. While New Zealand went into this match as firm favourites, the French gave themselves a genuine shot at an upset.

SVNS Series rookie Braxton Sorensen-McGee got the match underway with the kick-off, with France fielding possession and controlling it well. Pouri-Lane rushed out of the defensive line, which presented France with an opportunity they were good enough to take.

Lili Dezou raced down the field but was cut down inside New Zealand’s half by Miller, who was trailing in defence, but the French captain managed to get an offload off. Anaick Konyi received the ball in space and ended up racing away for the first points of the semi-final.

New Zealand bounced back immediately through their skipper Pouri-Lane, who fielded the restart and immediately raced upfield to the house. Pouri-Lane leapt right into a gap and burst into a sprint, running about 60 metres for the decisive score.

Sorensen-McGee missed the shot at goal, meaning France still led by two points. The French added to their advantage soon after through Alycia Christiaens, who produced a powerful left-handed fend on Kelsei Teneti during a break along the right sideline.

France led 14-5 but that’s when New Zealand began to take over. Miller celebrated her 22^nd birthday with a try in the seventh minute, slicing through France’s defensive line – looking calm and composed during a 40-metre carry.

In the final play of the half, France attempted to kick the ball into touch to bring on half-time, but Stacey Waaka managed a charge down. The two-time Olympic gold medallist retrieved possession and got a pass off to Mahina Paul, who crossed for the go-ahead points.

Waaka set up Miller for her second in the 10^th minute, before Katelyn Vahaakolo dropped the ball cold with the try line in sight. Vahaakolo made amends with a five-pointer moments later, ultimately finishing with a double.

“We talked about it, it’s small moments that are gonna win it. We always have each other’s back,” Waaka said post-game on the SVNS Series broadcast.

“We stay calm, we stay patient, and we used the ball when we actually had it.”

New Zealand will take on familiar foe Australia in a battle to become SVNS Perth champions, with the home side recording a clinical win over the USA. Try-scoring phenomenon Maddison Levi opened the scoring in the first minute, and Heidi Dennis added to Australia’s lead before the break.

Australia co-captain Madison Ashby was first to strike after the break, and Levi completed a double. The USA did score one try during the defeat, with Su Adegoke getting on the scoresheet in the 10th minute.