Black Ferns Sevens substitute Kelsey Teneti takes on the Australia defence in the final of the Singapore Sevens, won by New Zealand 31-7. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Black Ferns Sevens proved too strong for Australia in the final of the Singapore leg of the World Series, just a day after they won the league title for the season.
Fiji won the men's competition, beating Kenya 21-12 in the final, while it was another disappointing tournament for the All Blacks Sevens, who were beaten by Ireland in the playoff for seventh place.
The Black Ferns Sevens had beaten Australia 26-19 in the Hong Kong final a week ago, but it was more one-sided match in Singapore with a 31-7 scoreline.
They rattled Australia with two early tries to Michaela Brake and Risi Pouri-Lane, who caught her rivals napping with smart footwork and speed.
Maddison Levi took advantage of a turnover to run in a try for Australia before halftime. Levi threatened again with three players needed to halt her, but it was the Kiwis who then dominated, with the Aussies having no match for the speed and passing as Jazmin Felix-Hotham and then substitute Kelsey Teneti scored.
Brake finished it off, bookending the match with her second try and converting it for good measure.
Pouri-Lane was adjudged player of the final.
"It's been an awesome couple of weeks for us. They (Australia) are full of talent and the girls are still young.It is awesome to come up against them because we know they are always going to bring it to us."
Skipper Sarah Hirini said she was "stoked" for the team.
"Everyone knows when you win the title and win the tournament at the same time it's an even greater feeling.
"We all love what we do. We know how grateful we are to be in this position."
In the men's final, Fiji had to come from behind after Kenya, who last won a men's series final in 2016, led 7-0 at halftime.
But the Fijians hit their straps in the second half, running in two tries from Viwa Naduvalo and one from Rauto Vakadranu before William Mwanji Indakalu scored late for Kenya.
The Black Ferns Sevens retained the league series, after winning four of the six rounds. They finished with 116 points, 10 ahead of Australia, with France third and Canada fourth.
The sevens world championship will be held in Los Angeles on the first weekend of May, with the world series being decided on a winner takes all basis.
