1
Debutant’s powerful start as Australia’s ‘youngins’ usher in new dawn
By Finn Morton
Amahli Hala has never played at a venue quite like Kai Tak Stadium. On debut with a historically inexperienced Australian Women’s Sevens side at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, Hala didn't waver, with the debutant making a powerful statement early in the team’s new era.
Without the likes of three-time Olympian Charlotte Caslick, who has decided to see out the rest of this season’s Super Rugby Women’s season with the Queensland Reds, coach Tim Walsh has named the most inexperienced Aussie Women’s squad in 10 years.
It was a bit of a nervy start for the women in gold at Hong Kong China’s new 50,000 seat sevens Coliseum, with Spain making it a two-point game during the first term. But with the Aussie running away with it 52-14, they had every reason to smile as they walked off the field.
Download the RugbyPass App to watch exclusive SVNS Series videos and catch up on the latest news you need to know. Download it from the App Store HERE or Google Play.
And none were smiling bigger or brighter than Hala.
Hala scored a breathtaking five-pointer about three minutes into the pool stage clash, with the Queenslander offering a powerful fend on a Spanish defender while racing more than 50 metres to the house for a popular score.
“I wasn’t expecting the ball. At first I was thinking McKenzie, my centre, was going to have a go,” Hala told RugbyPass. “Then when she gave me early ball I was like, ‘Oh… you’ve been in this situation one-on-one, just give it a crack and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.’
“I think it was just going with the flow at the time.
“I scored and then she kicked it and she was like, ‘Sorry, sorry! I was like, ‘No, no, it’s okay.’ It’s footy so don’t take anything personally on the field anyway.”
After a bit of a slow start from the Aussies, which was met by Spain’s impressive efforts on both sides of the ball, Maddison Levi’s brilliance stole the show. The reigning World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year didn’t skip a beat after returning from a brief stint on the sidelines.
[video width="480" height="848" mp4="https://editors.rugbypass.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hala-interview.mp4"][/video]
Levi, who missed the last HSBC SVNS Series stop in Vancouver with a hand injury, helped the Aussies secure a one-sided win by running in a hat-trick of tries. Australia scored eight tries in total, with the “youngins” doing the jersey justice to open their account in Hong Kong China.
“Definitely. I think it’s a big thank you to all the coaching staff who have given us the opportunity, us youngins to go out there and show what we’ve got.
“We’ve got a lot of young ones coming through so building for the next generation is what we’re looking for. It’s good to be a part of it.
“It’s an honour, it’s a privilege to be wearing not only a jersey on the World Series but one of the best,” she reflected earlier. “It’s just such a great opportunity to come out here and play in front of such a big crowd.
“Thanks to all the people that have supported me along this journey. I couldn’t be any happier.”
In the other Pool C clash early on day one, which kicked things off at Kai Tak Stadium, Canada overcame a strong effort from Japan to win 24-17.
LA's Dignity Health Sports Park will host the World Championship and SVNS Series playoffs on May 3-4. Don't miss out - buy your tickets HERE.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Social media post gets sarcastic response from Henry Slade
3
George Skivington talks up 'relative unknown's England chances
4
Richie Mo'unga lifts lid on '27 World Cup hopes
5
Latest Comments
Trust, I once believed, formed the essential foundation of any partnership, particularly in business ventures and financial transactions. My naiveté, however, led me to trust too readily. I encountered an individual presenting herself as a crypto investment guru and strategist. We bonded over shared interests, including our lifestyles and a mutual appreciation for arts and antiques. I found myself believing every word she spoke regarding his purported success in crypto and how crypto would soon take over the world. I was intrigued, after all, a couple of thousand dollars won't break a spine. Initially, the experience seemed promising, but it soon devolved into a chaotic situation. I was repeatedly pressured to provide increasingly substantial sums of money as my supposed profits grew, and I sought to withdraw my funds. Within a mere three months, I had transferred $390,000 in Bitcoin from my wallet across five separate transactions. Subsequently, my wallet was compromised and faced imminent threat. It was at this critical juncture that I sought assistance from Meta Tech Recovery Pro. I presented my case to them, and after a thorough analysis, they revealed that I had been communicating with a single individual throughout the entire ordeal. Meta Tech Recovery Pro swiftly secured my wallet and, through their expertise, successfully recovered my Bitcoin from the scammer. In conclusion, I strongly advise exercising extreme caution when placing your trust in individuals you encounter online. I am eternally grateful to Meta Tech Recovery Pro for their invaluable assistance. They can be reached via:
M e t a t e c h @ W r i t e m e . C o m
T e l e g r a m : @ m e t a t e c h r e c o v e r y p o t e a m
https://metatech-recoverypro.com
W/S +1 4 6 9 6 9 2 8 0 4 9
Go to commentsThe current format was supposed to be for Covid duration only. 8 to qualify buts way more jeopardy/excitement on the pool matches and on the knock outs.
Go to comments