The Black Ferns Sevens almost made the perfect return to the World Series, only to be denied after the hooter by rivals Australia in the Langford Sevens final today.
Australian substitute Lily Dick scored a minute and 44 seconds after the fulltime siren to pinch a 21-17 victory for the World Series champions over the Olympic champions.
New Zealand were playing their first tournament since 2020 after missing the majority of the World Series due to Covid restrictions.
While the Black Ferns Sevens were stuck in New Zealand, Australia won four straight tournaments and secured the World Series crown in Langford by making today's final.
In the 17th final meeting between the two nations, New Zealand held a 10-7 lead at halftime courtesy of tries to Alena Saili and Sarah Hirini.