Rugby: We'll be back, vow Black Ferns

Sarah Goss says NZ s loss is a timely wakeup call. Photo / Getty Images

Humbled but not bowed, Black Ferns Sevens captain Sarah Goss says her side will be back.

The team to beat for the past 18 months in women's sevens, New Zealand were handed a stinging reality check from a rejuvenated Australia in the final of the world series tournament in Sydney.

Sunday's 31-0 loss in the one-sided decider was held up as an example of the fickle nature of sport by Goss.

But she admits the loss to the Rio Olympic champions was "gutting" and a timely wakeup call before their next contest - the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April.

"I'm just feeling for the girls. They put a lot of effort in over the Christmas break and unfortunately we were beaten by a good Aussie side," she said.

"Playing in front of their supporters, it was a great opportunity for us to try and stand up and unfortunately we fell short."

New Zealand failed to cope with Australia's pressure defence which didn't concede a single point at the tournament. That hasn't been achieved by a men's or women's team since the world series began in 1999.

The home side denied any space to Kiwi speedsters Portia Woodman and Michaela Blyde and, once a turnover was made, finished ruthlessly.

Goss suggested there will be no shortage of analysis on the defeat, along with physical preparation, ahead of the Games.

"We're a good, connected squad. I know the girls will be beating themselves up for a little bit but once we connect again and review those games, we'll be better for it in the long run," she said.

"Individually it's about getting the bodies right. I know the girls will work hard and push hard to get those 12 spots for the Comm Games."

Meanwhile Australian player Charlotte Caslick says her champion side should be given more of the spotlight after a history-making romp through the Sydney 7s.

It also marked the first time both men and women have played concurrently in a format set to become more common on the world tour.

But player of the final Caslick said Sydney's efforts, which saw the women play on the quiet Friday and Saturday mornings before the men in primetime, didn't go far enough.

"It was all right, can't say I loved it," she said, referring to the time slots.

"I think we can still improve; I'd love to see the men and women combined more.

"It's pretty s*** when you run out at 9 o'clock in the morning and no one's turned up yet.

"I'd love to see Sydney and the rest of the tournaments create more of a unanimous tournament."

While existing broadcast demands have led to the current situation, Caslick's pleas are being heard by the governing body.

World Rugby boss Brett Gosper yesterday said host cities would be financially rewarded for hosting men's and women's events simultaneously, while also saying sponsors were now demanding the women's competition saw its fair share of the spotlight. That exposure will only rise ahead of April's Commonwealth Games, with Caslick now one of the sport's big names after her Olympic breakthrough.

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- AAP