Australia have finished second at the women’s rugby sevens world series event in Las Vegas, again being undone by New Zealand at the final hurdle.
New Zealand won the decider 28-5 on Sunday (AEDT), running in four tries to Australia’s one.
It is the third time in three events on the 2016/17 women’s world series Australia have been beaten by New Zealand in their final game, having lost the tournament decider 17-5 in Dubai and the bronze-medal game 19-0 in Sydney.
Mahalia Murphy scored Australia’s only try in the final in Las Vegas, but it came after New Zealand had already extended their 14-0 half-time lead to 28-0.
Australia beat New Zealand 24-17 to win the women’s sevens gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, but have struggled against the Kiwis since.
The Black Ferns had earlier downed Australia 21-14 to top their pool.
The next event on the women’s world series is in Kitakyushu, Japan, on April 22 and 23.
Republican
Guest
......so much for all the hype about our 7's side. Still can't beat NZ, a trend across nearly all codes it would seem.
Old Bugger
Guest
Oops - I meant the World Series champs which they won last year just before the Games.
ClarkeG
Guest
Quite right. The Australian womens team are the reigning Olympic champions. The next World Cup for Men and Women will be held in San Francisco , July 2018.
Ryan
Guest
NZ are the reigning world Champions in both Women's and Men's 7s tournaments both of which were won in 2013.
Old Bugger
Guest
Yes but, the girls in gold have the gold that matters and are current world champs so redemption for the girls in black, is to maintain this form, for success in 4yrs time. That, will be the test for the girls in black, and not, the girls in gold. They've been there, done that - they just need to make sure they will be ready in 4 yrs like they did last year cos it could be deja vu all over again, in 2020.