Australia and new Zealand Advance to HSBC SVNS Dubai Semifinals

Australia is aiming for their seventh straight title in Dubai after winning all three of their Pool B games.They will face Fiji in the semifinals on the second day of competition.

Maddison Levi scored five tries in those three matches – one more than her team allowed all day – as the new HSBC SVNS series began under the Dubai sun.

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New Zealand, playing without key players Sarah Hirini and Michaela Brake, will face a surprising semifinalist in Japan. This comes despite an earlier scare in Pool A when they lost to the USA.

POOL A: New Zealand reaches Semifinals Despite Loss to USA

Jorja Miller quickly put New Zealand on the board, scoring just 15 seconds into their opening match against France. She took advantage of weak defense to score the first of her two tries, helping New Zealand win 24-21 against an inexperienced French team.

It was a solid win for New Zealand,but 18-year-old Mariama Tandiang of France showed promise,scoring two tries in her sevens debut.

Lavena Cavuru scored twice, and Atelaite Ralivanawa added a late try as Fiji defeated Olympic bronze medalists USA 19-7.

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Reapi Ulunisau’s first-half hat-trick gave Fiji an early lead against france. They held on for a 28-19 victory, despite a late comeback attempt by France, who scored 19 points in the final minute.

After losing their first game, the USA needed a win against New Zealand…