Maddison Levi Debuts for Wallaroos Against Black Ferns

Australian sevens phenom Maddison Levi is poised to make her highly anticipated 15s debut for the Wallaroos this Saturday against New Zealand, a significant moment for the code-hopping winger.

The 24-year-old, widely considered one of Australia's most exciting rugby talents, expressed both excitement and vulnerability ahead of her first Test cap in the longer format of the game, a challenge she views as crucial for her development as a player.

Sevens Star Transitions to 15s Rugby

Levi's inclusion comes as she is regarded as the reigning World Sevens player of the year and Australia’s record try-scorer in the rugby sevens format, a testament to her explosive running and innate confidence.

However, the transition to 15s presents a different challenge, with Levi acknowledging the increased number of players on the field and consequently less open space. She views this as an opportunity for growth, stating that she is still in a development phase and expects to adapt to the nuances of the 15-a-side game in the big moments. Our readers can find more rugby sevens news on our dedicated pages rugby sevens news.

Wallaroos' Historic Test Against Black Ferns

Levi will come off the bench in Auckland for the Wallaroos' 100th women’s Test match, an occasion rich in history against their formidable rivals, the Black Ferns.

The first encounter between these two nations was a 37-0 loss for Australia in September 1994, and in the 30 Tests over 32 years since, Australia has yet to secure a victory against New Zealand. The Black Ferns have historically been a dominant force in women's rugby, as noted in previous encounters where the Women Eagles Sevens also faced tough competition from New Zealand.

Mental Preparation and High Standards

Despite her impressive accolades, Levi has actively worked on her mental game, drawing on support from a sports psychologist during the 2024 Olympics. This has helped her reframe pressure as a privilege, understanding that anxiety and excitement are different interpretations of the same feeling, a mindset she cultivates through visualization to achieve her goals.

She maintains high personal standards, not perceiving any external pressure for her debut, but rather focusing on her own journey to become a better player across both codes.