Mainfreight Match of the Day Daily Wrap: Rugby Sevens

Day three of Mainfreight Match of the Day at the 2026 UniSport Nationals featured four exciting Rugby Sevens medal games, including the women’s and men’s bronze and gold medal deciders. 

A vibrant atmosphere surrounded the games, with crowds gathered on the hill at UWA Sports Park in the sunshine, speakers pumping and supporters cheering from the sidelines.

Live coverage produced by Edith Cowan University (ECU) media and journalism students brought the action from the pitch to audiences across Australia. 

The Women’s Bronze Medal Match kicked off first, with James Cook University taking on the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in a closely contested game. 

UniSC set the pace early with quicker off-ball movement, putting James Cook on notice and taking a 12–5 lead into half-time. 

The second half produced a fiercely contested battle, with James Cook launching an impressive comeback through increased defensive pressure. They scored two tries to take the lead with just one minute remaining. 

However, the fight was far from over. In the final moments, UniSC broke away and crossed the line for a game-winning try. A successful conversion sealed the result, securing UniSC the bronze medal with a 19-15 victory. 

After the game, UniSC captain Breeana Mackay said, “I’m absolutely ecstatic, I couldn’t be prouder of my girls for the effort they showed in that game.” 

The ECU commentary team reflected on how close the contest had been, noting that the two-point difference from the conversions ultimately made the difference in UniSC’s bronze-medal win. They also credited UniSC’s speed, highlighting how quickly the team moved on the ball and in defence. 

Game two of Mainfreight Match of the Day was the Women’s Rugby Sevens Gold Medal Match, featuring a Sydney derby between reigning champions the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and The University of Sydney (USYD). 

The two teams had faced off earlier that morning in Round Five, where USYD secured a 46-0 victory over UTS. 

USYD’s speed was evident from the outset, with the team scoring their first try within the opening minute. The ECU commentary team highlighted their powerful attack, describing USYD as an absolute powerhouse on the field. 

UTS looked to apply defensive pressure to counter USYD’s quick passing and ability to exploit open space down the right-hand side of the pitch. However, USYD continued to extend their lead, heading into half-time 39-0 after capitalising on errors and speed on the ball. 

UTS applied greater pressure in the second half, but USYD maintained momentum, extending the lead through their speed and ability to exploit the width of the pitch. 

USYD ultimately secured a 53-0 victory over reigning champions UTS, completing an undefeated tournament campaign and claiming the 2026 UniSport Nationals women’s Rugby Sevens title. 

After securing gold, USYD captain Claudia Nielson reflected on the significance of the win. 

“It’s exciting, UTS have beaten us the last two years, so this is a bit of revenge. We had a really strong squad, and a lot of fun, so it’s nice to combine the two.” 

She also spoke about the team’s pride in representing the university and showcasing its rugby talent on the West Coast. 

“All the girls are good rugby players, and at The University of Sydney we pride ourselves on rugby, so it’s nice to come over to Perth, and show everyone what we’re made of.” 

USYD player Brianna Worsfold described the final as “a really good hit out with the girls today”, crediting the team’s strength and strong ball carriers for their performance. 

Game three of Mainfreight Match of the Day featured the Men’s Bronze Medal Match between 2025 champions UTS and Macquarie University. 

The physical contest remained tense until the final minute, with several yellow cards adding to the drama. Both teams traded tries early, responding quickly to each other’s attacks. 

After both sides scored their opening tries, UTS began to gain control, exploiting the left side of the pitch, applying pressure and pushing Macquarie back. Their efforts paid off with two further tries, sending UTS into half-time with a 19-7 lead. 

While UTS had largely controlled the first half, Macquarie’s speed made for a fiercely contested second period. Two yellow cards left UTS down to five players, allowing Macquarie to capitalise on the numerical advantage. Macquarie scored and converted a try to close the gap to 19-14 before crossing again to take a 21-19 lead. 

In a dramatic final minute, Macquarie received a yellow card. UTS immediately capitalised on the gap in defence to score the winning try, securing a 24-21 victory and the bronze medal. 

After the match, UTS captain Henry Colvin credited the team’s unity and culture for helping them secure the result. 

“The teamwork was huge, full credit to the boys, we couldn’t have done this without them. We’ve built such a strong culture at UTS Sevens and that’s what carried us over the line.” 

Reflecting on the team’s overall results, he added, “We’re very pleased, we got the bronze and the girls got the silver, so we’ll go home very happy.” 

Game four of Mainfreight Match of the Day was the Men’s Gold Medal Match between USYD and the University of Newcastle. 

With a strong contingent of Newcastle supporters gathered on the hill, the atmosphere was lively as fans anticipated a competitive final. 

Newcastle opened the scoring with a try in the first minute, prompting a huge roar from the crowd and giving the team an early 7-0 lead. 

The remainder of the half was played at a rapid pace, with Newcastle displaying impressive speed. USYD responded with a break down the left-hand side, beating two defenders with excellent footwork and evasion to score its first try. 

Despite Newcastle applying strong pressure, USYD scored again to take a 14-7 lead into half-time. 

The second half began at pace, with USYD’s #23 powering through the defence to score and extend the lead. Another try quickly followed after USYD executed a textbook kick-off, taking the score to 24-7. Newcastle fought hard to close the gap, successfully scoring a try. 

USYD held firm to secure the gold medal with a 24-14 victory, with the ECU commentary team crediting the team’s pace, attacking play and quick tries for its success. 

After the match, USYD captain Olly Schmude reflected on the team’s victory. 

“It’s nice to win, we’ve come second and third the past couple of years, so really nice to get this.” 

He also acknowledged Newcastle’s strength, saying they knew the opposition would be tough. 

“We did the simple things right, and that got us over the line.” 

USYD player Liam Hill said the team had been looking forward to a challenging final after recording big wins in their earlier games. He praised Newcastle’s performance, adding, “We were up for a challenge, and everyone got up for it.” 

The results saw USYD claim the 2026 UniSport Nationals Rugby Sevens titles in both the men’s and women’s divisions. 

The Rugby Sevens Mainfreight Match of the Day is available for replay on UniSportTV.   

Mainfreight Match of the Day continues with Hockey on Thursday 01 October at UWA Hockey Club.   

Big Games. Big Crowds. Big Energy. Watch Mainfreight Match of the Day LIVE and FREE on UniSportTV. 

2026 Mainfreight Match of the Day Fixtures