Maddison Levi set for XVs debut as Wallaroos chase 100th Test in Auckland

Maddison Levi, one of the most dangerous players on the SVNS Series circuit, will make her XVs debut off the bench when the Wallaroos face New Zealand in the final match of the 2026 Laurie O’Reilly Cup in Auckland — a fixture that also marks Australia’s 100th Test match.

Five SVNS Series stars have been named in the Wallaroos squad for the occasion. Tia Hinds will partner Australia A Sevens alumna Waiaria Ellis in the halves, while Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea returns to XVs rugby for the first time in six years, named to start at outside centre. Singapore SVNS debutant Maya Stewart, the Wallaroos’ top try scorer, will start on the wing.

The most eye-catching selections come from the bench. Bienne Terita is recalled to the side for the first time since a 2025 appearance against Fiji, and Levi — who has repeatedly tormented the Black Ferns 7s on the sevens circuit — will step into the XVs arena for the first time. New Zealand, who have already secured the Laurie O’Reilly Cup, will field Braxton Sorensen-McGee at fullback and have named three debutants, blending youth with experience.

Elsewhere across the southern hemisphere, the Kenya National Sevens Circuit moves to Mombasa for the Driftwood 7s, the fourth round of a six-tournament season. Defending champions KCB head into the weekend on top of the table after a 14-12 grand final win over Strathmore Leos at last week’s Kabeberi 7s in Nairobi, with George Ooro and Mike Wekesa both crossing for tries. KCB hold a slim lead over rivals Kabras Sugar and Kenya Harlequins.

In New Zealand’s Hilux NPC, Round Four is already under way. Brothers Brady and Rob Rush featured in Northland’s 36-12 victory over Canterbury, with Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Andrew Knewstubb starting at flyhalf for the hosts. Former Western Force and Australia Sevens back Darby Lancaster is set to feature for Hawke’s Bay Magpies against Manawatu on Friday, while Tongan sevens alumnus Kyren Taumoefolau retains his wing berth for Tasman as they host Southland in Nelson.