Australia Rolls Past Senegal in Youth Olympic Rugby
Australia remains unbeaten after two wins on opening day of women's rugby sevens at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Olympics
Australia defeated Senegal 32-0 and China 21-15 in women's rugby sevens at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Mia Shelley scored the winning try against China after China had taken a 15-14 lead with three minutes remaining.
Why it matters
The wins keep Australia undefeated in the early stages of the tournament. Australia's comeback-proof finish against China underlined its composure in a close match.
Australia led Senegal 10-0 at halftime and built a 14-0 lead over China before China rallied to 15-14 with three minutes left. Australia's final pool standing and tournament outcome had not been determined at the time of reporting.
The players
Mia Shelley
Australian rugby sevens player from Western Australia who scored the decisive try against China.
The details
Darci Turinui and Te Rina-Jade Murray scored first-half tries against Senegal, while Shelley scored a second-half double, with Grace Buchanan and Talia Berryman also scoring. Layne Prince created the break that gave Australia its 14-0 lead against China before China pulled level and took the lead.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Australia won both opening-day matches in Dakar.
November 3, 2026, 9:02 pm: Australia is scheduled to play Kenya, with the finals to follow.
Season Trajectory
Women's rugby sevens has grown as an Olympic and youth Olympic sport, and Australia's unbeaten start positions it among the early contenders in Dakar. The result adds to the sport's expanding international competitive field.
Australia's pool position depends on its remaining results, so the Kenya match on November 3 will shape its path to the finals. Viewers following the tournament can track the schedule to see when Australia next takes the field.
The takeaway
Australia's ability to come back and close out a tight match against China is a useful sign of its resilience as the tournament continues. Keeping an eye on the Kenya fixture will show how its unbeaten start holds up.
What happens next
Australia plays Kenya on November 3, 2026, at 9:02 pm, with the finals to follow.
Further reading
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