12 Dec 2022

Black Ferns Sevens thump Australia in Cape Town final

7:50 am on 12 December 2022

The Black Ferns Sevens have picked up their first title of the new World Series season.

New Zealand's Tyla Nathan-Wong

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand have romped to a 31-14 win over Australia in the final at the Cape Town round of the series.

The result avenged the Black Ferns loss to their trans-Tasman rivals at the opening round in Dubai and brings the teams level at the top of the standings.

The New Zealand men's side couldn't quite match their female counterparts after being edged 12-7 by Samoa in a Cup final played in challenging conditions.

Heavy rain, that began falling during the women's final, caused pools of water to form on the field, with Samoa scoring a late try to seal victory and go to the top of the series standings.

Despite coming up one short, the New Zealand side jumped up into third after three rounds of the season.

After beating Ireland 14-7 in the semifinal, the Black Ferns Sevens produced an impressive performance in the title decider.

The reigning Olympic champions ran in three first half tries, with their lead extending to 28-0 when Michaela Blyde scored her second early in the second spell.

Kelly Brazier added a fifth for the Black Ferns as the Australians could only manage a couple of late consolation tries.

- RNZ