The New Zealand womens rugby sevens team has won the opening round of the World Series in Dubai, beating Australia 17-5 in the final.
New Zealand Sevens player Tyla Nathan-Wong. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
In front of a packed house the Black Ferns Sevens took revenge for their Olympic final defeat, dominating their rivals to score three tries to one.
Australia battled to the end of the 14 minute final, but tries from Portia Woodman and two from Rebekah Cordero-Tufugu gave the Black Ferns Sevens the gold medal and the Dubai Sevens Cup.
Kelly Brazier, who came back into the team from fifteens action last weekend, was named player of the final.
The win was especially sweet for new coach Allan Bunting, who said: "We're pretty stoked with that win. It's been a while since we got a win over Australia and I'm sure they'll go away and come back a lot stronger as a result of that match."
"We always go out to win but we're still learning a lot. Most importantly the girls went out and played with heart."
New Zealand playmaker Tyla Nathan-Wong added: "Honestly it's the best feeeling. This team is incredible... I'm so proud of them. I can't wait for the next round because I'm loving this team."
"It was pretty hard losing to Australia in Rio but full credit to the girls today."
Meanwhile the New Zealand men beat Russia 26-5 and Samoa 26-21, but lost to England 26-17.
They will play South Africa in the quarter-finals.
