Black Ferns shut out Aussies in record-breaking final

The Black Ferns have delivered a stunning final performance to secure their second consecutive first-place finish on the HSBC Sevens World Series circuit.

The New Zealand side put up a record 46-point shut-out in Canada to edge closer to the Australian side in the overall standings, now just four points behind with one leg remaining.

Portia Woodman, Niall Williams and Kelly Brazier all scored twice and the Black Ferns crossed eight times in total, easily eclipsing the previous mark of 28-5 to record their biggest win against Australia.

Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Goss praised her side after the victory.

“Really proud of the girls, we put in a lot of effort," Goss said.

"We’ve obviously been on the road for a long time so really stoked with the result and happy to be heading back for some recovery. Extremely proud, credit to Australia as they are an amazing team. We love playing them and it just shows how amazing women’s rugby is at the moment.”

New Zealand's road to the final was tough, as they overcame a ten-point deficit against the USA to storm to a 33-10 victory and place in the gold medal match.

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Australia defeated Fiji and France to progress through to the final but New Zealand overpowered their rivals to take the crown at Langford's Westhills Stadium.

The Australian Women’s Sevens side are still on top of the World Series standings, with just the Paris leg left to play.

Australian Women's Sevens coach, John Manenti said: "There was plenty of good stuff over the weekend and I thought there was some big improvements in many areas but we just got blown away in the end.

“We just have to dust ourselves off. Our attack was far more clinical, our passing was better, our tackling was better other than falling off a fair few in the end there though.

“Some good exposure and minutes for our younger girls too. Page (McGregor) played half the game in the semi-final so there’s a heap of good stuff we’ll take out of that and a fair bit of hurt that will inspire us towards Paris as well."

The Series will come to a head in early June when the final leg takes place.

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