The Australian women's sevens team have broken a run of five losses against New Zealand with a commanding 31-0 victory over the Black Ferns in the final of the Sydney leg of the World Series.
Australian sevens player Ella Green in full flight Photo: photosport
The Black Ferns trailed 10-0 at halftime and failed to get any momentum in the second half.
The 31-0 victory means Australia did not concede a point in the tournament - a first for the women's World Series tour.
Shannon Parry opened the scoring after Australia had forced a turnover just five metres out from the New Zealand line.
The hosts then held firm in defence and rammed home the advantage on halftime when Charlotte Caslick darted from the ruck for her eighth try of the tournament.
Ellia Green then sprinted clear for Australia's third try to start the second half, finishing an Emilee Cherry break, before Evania Pelite crossed to make it 24-0 with three minutes to play.
More smothering defence set up Australia's final try with Emma Sykes crossing under the black dot to cap a brutally dominant display.
After beating their Trans Tasman rivals to claim gold at the 2016 Olympics, Australia lost five straight games against New Zealand.
The result will give Australia a psychological edge ahead of their next competitive outing against the Black Ferns at April's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Meanwhile the New Zealand men's sevens team also suffered at the hands of their trans-Tasman rivals when they were knocked out of the Cup competition by Australia 24 -12 in their quarter final.
-AAP
