Maddison Levi, widely regarded as Australia's most exciting rugby player, will make her long-awaited debut for the Wallaroos in Saturday's Test against New Zealand at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland. The 24-year-old Gold Coast native, a standout in sevens rugby, will come off the bench in the Wallaroos' 100th Test as a women's rugby nation.
Levi's Transition to 15s Rugby
Levi, the 2024 World Sevens player of the year and Australia's reigning record tryscorer in the format, acknowledges the challenge of moving to 15-a-side rugby. “I’m really excited,” Levi said. “Representing Australia in two codes is a pretty special achievement and this is a new environment and a massive challenge. I know I’ll probably make mistakes out there and I’m feeling pretty vulnerable but I’ve always set myself high standards and this is about me becoming a better player.”
The first of Australia's 100 Tests, in September 1994 at North Sydney Oval, was also against the Black Ferns and resulted in a 37-0 loss. In the 30 Tests and 32 years since, Australia have never won against New Zealand. Levi, who joined the Wallaroos squad after a successful sevens career, is seen as a potential talisman to change that record.
Mental Preparation and Support
Levi has worked on her mental approach, citing a psychologist from the 2024 Olympics who helped her manage pressure. “I always had this feeling that my luck was about to run out,” she said. “But now I know that the harder I work the ‘luckier’ I’ll get. Pressure is a privilege and I’ve learned anxiety and excitement are the same feeling interpreted a different way by the brain.”
Her coach Tim Walsh played a key role in encouraging the transition. “Walshy has helped shape my career and he was the one who put me up to this,” Levi said. “Deep down I didn’t think I’d transition as quickly as this. I kind of thought I’d be running around the field like a headless chicken. His push was essential. He believes in me.”
Historic Context and Teammates
Levi joins fellow sevens converts Tia Hinds, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea, and Bienne Terita in Saturday's Test squad. She previously attempted to make the leap ahead of the 2025 World Cup but withdrew at the 11th hour. “It was the right call and I have no regrets,” she said. “The World Cup is a big deal and I didn’t want to come in cold and take the position of someone who’d been working hard in that environment for a long time. I want to earn my spot, same as everyone else.”
Levi's sister Teagan, a fellow sevens star, is on an NRLW sabbatical with the Gold Coast Titans but remains a constant support. “I love doing everything with Teagan, but it’s been awesome to watch her grasp her chance in the NRLW,” Levi said. “It’ll be a little bittersweet not to be lining up alongside her this weekend but that chance will come, I’m sure.”
Impact on Australian Rugby
Levi's debut is part of Rugby Australia's strategy to align its formats ahead of a home Women's World Cup in 2029 and a Brisbane Olympics sevens campaign in 2032. Both Levi sisters are signed to remain in rugby until 2029. Levi's explosive running, demonstrated in June when she scored twice in the final against New Zealand in Bordeaux despite a knee injury, shows her potential to impact the 15s game.
