The Olympic champion Black Ferns Sevens have been pipped by Australia 28-24 in the final of the season-opening Dubai World Series event.
New Zealand twice rallied back from deficits of 14-0 and 21-12 to take the lead with four minutes to play, but gave an intercept to Australia’s MaddisonLevi who darted 80 metres to score the match-winning try.
Australia took the early lead through tries to Faith Nathan and Teagan Levi before Jorja Miller and Risi Pouri-Lane got New Zealand back into the contest. Isabella Nasser crossed over just before the break to give the defending series champions a 21-12 lead at the break.
Against the Black Ferns Sevens fought back with Theresa Setefano and Manaia Nuku scoring to give New Zealand the lead before Levi stole the intercept to set up victory. Earlier, the Black Ferns Sevens booked a spot in the final with a 28-14 win over France with Sarah Hirini scoring a double.
The All Blacks Sevens men were knocked out by Spain 19-14 in the semifinals - who went on to fall to Fiji in the decider.
New Zealand were handed their second loss of the weekend by Spain after going down to them in pool play. The All Blacks Sevens snuck into the quarter-finals as the best third-placed team and booked a spot in the semifinals with thrilling win over South Africa, courtesy of a match-winner from Sofai Maka as time expired.
New Zealand eventually finished fourth after losing the bronze final to Argentina.
