Australia Women's Sevens beat Japan 35-7 at HSBC SVNS Bordeaux 2026 to top Pool B with a perfect record before claiming the overall World Championship title.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
Australia opened the scoring through Demi Kennewell, who finished a sharp team move to put the Aussies ahead early at Stade de Bordeaux. The try-saver set the tone for a first half in which Australia built a 21-7 lead at the break.
Japan hit back with a try of their own — a well-worked score that briefly kept them in touch — but Australia responded immediately. Madison Ashby crossed just before the halftime hooter, catching the Japanese defence narrow after sustained pressure, to stretch the lead to 14 points at the interval.
In the second half, Australia turned the screw. Teagan Levi crossed to extend the advantage, and Kaitlin Shave finished off a flowing move to seal the five-try victory. Australia's defensive line held firm after half-time, shutting Japan out completely in the second period.
The turning point
Ashby's try deep into first-half stoppage time was the decisive blow. Japan had been pressing hard in defence but were caught narrow as Ashby received the ball and walked it in under the posts. The score — Australia's third of the half — gave them a commanding 21-7 advantage at the break and deflated a Japan side that had been competitive up to that point.
Key performers
Demi Kennewell — Opened the scoring and set the tempo with her early break. The 31-event veteran led Australia's charge with intelligent lines and relentless work rate.
Madison Ashby (c) — The co-captain delivered when it mattered most, her opportunistic try on the stroke of half-time killing Japan's momentum. Ashby's leadership was pivotal throughout the pool phase.
Teagan Levi — The younger Levi sibling added her name to the scoresheet in the second half, continuing her strong tournament after a double against Brazil on day one.
Kahli Henwood — Stepped up in the absence of Maddison Levi (managed due to a knee concern), scoring one of Australia's first-half tries and showing smart support play.
By the numbers
Australia's 35-7 scoreline reflected their control of the contest. They had already qualified for the quarter-finals before this match, but the five-try victory ensured top seeding from Pool B. The defensive shutout in the second half was the standout — Japan failed to add to their solitary first-half score.
Australia finished the pool phase with three wins from three, scoring 99 points and conceding just 21 — a points difference of +78. Japan ended second in the pool with one win (29-14 over Brazil) and two losses (12-24 to Fiji, 7-35 to Australia).
What it means
Australia progressed to the quarter-finals as Pool B winners, where they faced Spain and won 14-0. They went on to beat USA 21-7 in the semi-finals and New Zealand 26-19 in the final to claim the Bordeaux title and the overall HSBC SVNS World Championship crown.
Japan finished second in Pool B and faced New Zealand in the quarter-finals, losing 35-22. Their performance in Bordeaux was enough to secure main tour status for the 2026-27 season.
Verdict
Australia were in second gear for much of this contest but never looked in danger of losing. The gulf in class between the world's top-ranked side and Japan was evident, particularly in the second half when the Aussies tightened their defence and finished with precision. Japan can take pride in qualifying for the knockout stage from a competitive pool, but this was a lesson in ruthlessness from the eventual champions.
Rivalry since 2017
Australia 7s W vs Japan 7s W Head to Head Results· 13
Australia 7s W and Japan 7s W have met 13 times — Australia 7s W won 13, Japan 7s W won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2017. Australia 7s W leads the head-to-head with 13 victories from 13 meetings. A combined 547 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 42.08 per match (480 for the home side, 67 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 8 matches (62%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 13 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Australia 7s W are currently unbeaten in the last 13 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 66–0 in 2023.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 26 Jun 2026