NZ U18 Girls rally from big deficit to reach Global Youth Sevens decider

New Zealand U18 Girls are through to the decider at the 2025 Global Youth Sevens in Auckland, rallying from a 19-point half-time deficit to beat Japan 26-19. It’s an all-New Zealand women’s decider, with the Cavaliers Girls defeating Rugby Vault 27-12 in the other semi-final.

Japan took out the Women’s Cup title for the first time at last year’s Global Youth Sevens, and the defending champions appeared to be on track for another final. It was 19-0 at the break, but the New Zealanders fought their way back with a dominant second-half performance.

Japan got the first girls semi-final underway at Dilworth College in Auckland, setting up a tense start to the semi-final. New Zealand tried to create space with playmaking and individual flair, but some passes hit the deck.

The Japanese scored the opener with 1:42 on the clock, with Hiyori Kawachi breaking through New Zealand’s defensive line to cross behind the sticks. Kawachi smiled after crossing for the first points of the contest, with the conversion giving Japan an early 7-0 advantage.

It didn’t go to plan from the restart for Japan, with the kick-off failing to go the 10. New Zealand looked to hit back on the scoreboard, with Levonah Motuliki sending Poppy Baxter flying down the left edge, but Japan’s scrambling defence bundled the Kiwi into touch.

New Zealand’s Te Arani Vulu gave away a pilfer penalty as Japan produced an impressive counter-attack upfield. It led to Hinako Akagi’s try, who scored after teammate Aoi Ichinose was dragged down just short of the try line.

The New Zealanders’ frustrating first half included a forward pass with about one minute left, which gave Japan another possession before the break. Hinata Kawabe touched down for the team’s third try, taking a commanding 19-0 lead into the break.

New Zealand were down but certainly not out. There was a sense that they had to score the first points of the second term to stay in the contest, and that’s exactly what happened, with Koiatarau Edwards scoring NZ’s first points of the match less than one minute into the half.

Lynda Rabeni-Vatuloka powered through Japan’s defensive line to make it a nine-point game, before the conversion reduced the deficit further. Asha James completed the comeback after skipping through Japan’s defensive line during a runaway effort.

Te Arani Vulu delivered an offload to Mika Lene soon after, who raced away for the go-ahead try deep into the contest. New Zealand’s defensive line stood tall during the remainder of the semi-final, as the tournament hosts booked their spot in the decider.

They will take on the New Zealand Cavaliers Girls for the title after they got the better of Rugby Vault in an entertaining fixture. Charlie Lindsay scored two crucial tries during the first half as the Cavaliers built up a 10-point lead, before Vault hit back through Danika Irihei.

It was a three-point game at the break but Dellas Mareroa gave the Cavaliers a bit more space on the scoreboard with a runaway effort. Both teams added another try each, giving the Cavs a 10 point lead with less than two to play.

Malena Lavea crossed for the final try of the semi-final, as the Cavaliers charged into the decider with a confidence-building win.