Maddison Levi ‘excited’ to bring sevens skillset and winning mindset to Wallaroos

The injection of Tim Walsh and Reg Tayler into the Wallaroo coaching set up has proven a massive positive for Maddison Levi, the sevens speedster keen to bring her skillset to XVs after being named in the squad that will travel to New Zealand to face the Black Ferns.

However, one of the key things that Levi aims to bring is the mindset of sevens, and teaching her XVs teammates the ins and outs of what it takes to beat New Zealand.

The Wallaroos’ match at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland will mark their 100th Test match and their 45th in just five years, and that elusive maiden victory over the Black Ferns still awaits from 30 attempts.

However, when it comes to sevens it’s been a far different affair, the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand the most hotly contested on the SVNS Series circuit – and with six members of the Aussies 7s included, their impact will be significant.

Levi had previously indicated an interest in representing the Wallaroos at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and with a long runway now to 2029, is hoping to do that on home soil.

“I’m super excited,” Levi said ahead of the squad departing at Sydney Airport.

“To be able to come over in this short window instead of training in Sydney, and go and train and learn the game with the girls, it’s something that’s obviously crucial in my planning to make that World Cup team.

“I would have liked to go to the World Cup last year, and debut at Super Rugby last year, but everything happens for a reason.

“Now it’s just this opportunity to transition over, start somewhere and start learning the games and use this as a good experience to pick up the game and learn some knowledge.”

Levi will be joined by fellow Sevens stars Tia Hinds, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, Bienne Terita and Piper Simons, joining the likes of XVs crossover stars Maya Stewart and Waiaria Ellis to create an imposing Wallaroo backline.

The successful crossover of multiple team mates plus the injection of Walsh and incoming Sevens head coach Reg Tayler to guide the transition between the programmes proved a massive opportunity for Levi.

“That ultimately helped make my mind up, having the experience of the coaches,” Levi said.

“I think I’m a confidence player and comfortable within the environment. The girls are awesome, they’ve been very welcoming, but to have the coaching staff to help guide my transition will make it very seamless.

“You look at Tia playing, Alysia and BB [Terita], they’re all substantial in the game of XVs, which is awesome, then also having the likes of Maya Stewart and Georgina Friedrichs have been training as well and helping me within the training.

“I think having them having played before also helps, so knowing that they can come over and they’re absolutely killing it.”

With established Wallaroos also in the squad in Desiree Miller, Caitlyn Halse, Samantha Wood and Cecilia Smith on top of the sevens stars, competition for backline positions will be intense, with Levi having not played XVs at either an international or Super Rugby level.

However, the sevens star aims to be a sponge for knowledge over the next few weeks, and with her proven record of defeating New Zealand sides in sevens, believes there are significant elements she can bring to get the XVs side humming quickly.

“Hopefully, I can just bring the energy, like having played against New Zealand multiple times, and knowing the ins and outs of how they play, and bring that in,” Levi said.

“I know the Black Ferns will probably play a bit different, but at the same time, knowing what it takes to get over a New Zealand team.

“For me, it’s such a short window, so there’s not much you can probably do, but [I aim to] just play how I normally play and take the game on.

“Whether I’m lining up or I’m on the sideline, just to experience that 100th test in New Zealand, I think [it] will be a super epic game to be a part of.”