Source: Radio New Zealand
Kelsey Teneti of New Zealand scores a try. RICHARD WAINWRIGHT
The Black Ferns Sevens have wrapped up the World Series title for another year after beating Australia 22-21 in a thrilling final of the inaugural New York round.
They won five of the six rounds this season with their victory in New York extending their lead in the overall standings over the Australians, who won one round.
Kelsey Teneti opened the scoring for the Black Ferns before Australia hit back with two tries to take a 14-5 lead into halftime.
Jorja Miller in action for the Black Ferns. Photosport
Australia were the first to score in the second half through Tegan Levi to extend their lead to 21-5.
The Black Ferns needed to score next and they did through Alena Saili to cut Australia’s lead to 11 points with a few minutes remaining.
New Zealand kept hold of possession and scored again with Teneti dotting down to make it a one-try game at 21-15.
Australia tried to kill the game off by holding on to the ball for the final minutes but gave away a penalty handing New Zealand possession. The Black Ferns took their chance with Katelyn Vahaakolo diving over at close range.
The try was converted giving New Zealand a 22-21 lead and that’s how the match would end, with the Black Ferns crowned champions in New York. Teneti was named player of the final.
The New Zealand women beat Great Britain, Fiji and France in pool play. They beat hosts the USA 26-14 in the semi-finals before outclassing Australia in the title decider.
The New Zealand men finished sixth in New York.
They lost to South Africa and Australia in pool play, before beating Great Britain in the fifth place semi-final. They were then beaten 21-14 by France in the fifth place playoff.
South Africa won the men’s title after beating Fiji 10-7 in the final, with the victory also securing the overall World Series title for the South Africans.
The All Blacks Sevens finished fourth overall.
The season features a new structure, with the first six rounds deciding the World Series winners, before three further tournaments to determine the World Champions.
The New Zealand teams next play a three-tournament World Championship series (held in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux), with the Grand Final in Bordeaux, France, on 5-7 June.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
