Black Ferns Sevens come back to pip Australia in thriller

Cameron McMillan

Deputy Head of Sport·NZ Herald·

15 Mar, 2026 10:02 PMQuick Read

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The Black Ferns celebrate after the final whistle to defeat Australia in the New York final. Photo / SmartFrame

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The Black Ferns Sevens cemented their dominance over rivals Australia with a thrilling come-from-behind victory to claim the New York Sevens title today.

Trailing 21-5 with just over four minutes to play, New Zealand scored three late tries to edge Australia 22-21.

After having already secured the world series title
earlier in the tournament, New Zealand clinched their fifth title of the season in the sixth final match-up between the transtasman rivals.

Alena Saili, Kelsey Teneti and Katelyn Vahaakolo all scored in the closing stages before captain Risi Pouri-Lane kicked the winning conversion from close range having missed her three previous attempts from wide out.

Australia looked odds-on to get one over New Zealand for the second time this season after Teagan Levi crossed for her second try shortly after halftime, after her sister Maddison scored Australia’s opener in the first half. With a 16 point lead however, Australia barely touched the ball again as the Black Ferns Sevens took over in the final quarter.