Highlights: HSBC SVNS Vancouver 2026 | DAY 1

Milestones and Upsets Mark Explosive Opening Day at HSBC SVNS Vancouver

The HSBC SVNS in Vancouver delivered a dramatic and milestone‑packed opening day across both the men’s and women’s competitions, with Fiji and South Africa leading the charge in the men’s event while New Zealand’s Jorja Miller and Australia’s Maddison Levi lit up the women’s draw.

Men’s Competition: Fiji and South Africa Advance, Argentina Falter

Fiji extended their remarkable consistency with a fifth consecutive semi-final appearance, driven by another outstanding performance from Viwa Naduvalo. The winger crossed the 100‑try career mark and added five tries over three matches as Fiji recorded wins over France and Australia.

Argentina, the four‑time defending Vancouver champions, saw their 23‑match winning streak come to a dramatic end in the tournament opener. Australia edged them 17–15 before the South Americans slipped to additional defeats, finishing bottom of Pool B despite a spirited win over Fiji.

Australia secured early qualification with disciplined victories over Argentina and France, while Fiji’s dominant 35–14 win over the Aussies closed the pool stage in style.

In Pool A, South Africa marched through unbeaten, highlighted by Sebastiaan Jobb’s spectacular 80‑metre solo try against Spain. Their final match saw them fend off a strong New Zealand fightback to win 17–12 and set up a semi-final against Australia. Spain impressed with wins over Great Britain and New Zealand but narrowly missed out on progressing.

Fiji will face Spain in the second men’s semi-final.

Women’s Competition: Miller Hits 100, Levi Scores Eight

In the women’s event, New Zealand’s Jorja Miller celebrated her 100th career try during a dominant 43–5 victory over Japan. The Black Ferns Sevens completed the day with a perfect 3–0 record, extending their four‑year unbeaten run at BC Place.

Australia matched their rivals with an unbeaten day shaped by Maddison Levi’s incredible eight‑try haul. With sister Teagan rested, Madison Ashby orchestrated play as Levi crossed twice against Fiji, three times against Canada, and three more against the USA.

France also advanced after strong wins over Japan and Great Britain, although they fell to New Zealand in the pool decider. The USA sealed the final semi-final spot with victories over Canada and Fiji before falling to Australia.

As both competitions head into day two, Vancouver is set for blockbuster semi‑finals featuring the world’s most in‑form teams.