Kelsey Teneti stars as Black Ferns Sevens make SVNS history in Perth

The Black Ferns Sevens have been crowned HSBC SVNS Perth champions for the first time, running away with a 29-7 win over Australia at HBF Park. Kelsey Teneti starred as the Player of the Final, as the New Zealanders claimed just their second-ever win over their rivals in Australia.

New Zealand and Australia met in Cup Finals at the first three events of the season, with the Black Ferns Sevens winning two of those titles in Dubai and Singapore. This is a rivalry that never disappoints, and their most recent meeting was no different.

Jorja Miller led the way as the RugbyPass SVNS Series MVP front-runner after the first three stops of the season, and the New Zealander was once again influential during the team’s run to the big dance in Western Australia.

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Miller scored two tries in New Zealand’s 24-14 win over France in the semi-finals, and the No. 2 capped off a memorable birthday on February 8 with some silverware. Australia struck first in the Cup Final through Heidi Dennis, but Miller helped turn the tide deep in the first half.

The 22-year-old broke downfield along the right sideline, breaking two attempts, and producing a powerful fend on Tia Hinds. Able to get an offload off to Risi Pouri-Lane, the Black Ferns Sevens struck back through their skipper in the fifth minute.

New Zealand took a hard-fought lead into the half-time huddle, with Teneti delivering some late heroics. Teneti powered through a Teagan Levi tackle attempt with a  fend before beating a Faith Nathan tackle attempt en route to the try line.

While the start of the second half wasn’t ideal for the Black Ferns Sevens, with the kick-off failing to go past the 10-metre line, it was generally one-way traffic all the way until the final whistle. New Zealand ran in a three tries while Australia were held scoreless.

Teneti completed a double with a runaway effort in the 10^th minute, before Katelyn Vahaakolo added to New Zealand’s advantage shortly after. In the final play of the decider, Alena Saili capped off a dominant display with one last try.

“I’ve never received something like this before,” Teneti said post-game after receiving Player of the Final honours.

“It’s more than just a game for our whanau back home. We carry our whanau and our country on our shoulders.

“To go back-to-back really means a lot.”

France secured their place on the podium with a 21-14 win over the USA in the third-place playoff, with three different try-scorers making their mark for the victors. Anaick Konyi gave France the lead early with a try in the first minute, setting the tone in a tough match.

Marie Dupouy and Hawa Tounkara both got on the scoresheet for France, while Cassidy Bargell and Sammy Sullivan crossed for the USA. Both teams finished the match with 100 per cent accuracy from their conversion attempts as well.