The Black Ferns Sevens fell at the final hurdle of the Perth World Series event, succumbing to a 28-26 loss to hosts Australia in the final.
Michaela Brake scored twice for New Zealand, including the opener, but Australia seized the game’s momentum and clung on in the death as the Black Ferns got back to within two points.
It’s Australia’s first title on home soil in 2018, but New Zealand remain top of the season standings by two points from their old transtasman foes.
Australia were without Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan but teen sensation Heidi Dennis stepped up in the final, scoring a double.
“Just grit, all the way to the end. They really made us fight for that one,” Dennis said after the win.
