The Black Ferns Sevens have fallen to old rivals Australia in the final of the opening tournament of the World Sevens Series.
The Olympic champions conceded a late try to go down 28-24 in the Dubai Sevens women's decider on Sunday (Monday NZ Time), spoiling a spirited comeback from 21-12 down at halftime.
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The loss ended a five-match winning streak for Cory Sweeney's side, after a 33-12 victory over Ireland in the quarterfinals and 28-12 win against France in the semifinals earlier in the day.
In the final, New Zealand found themselves down 14-0 after three minutes but answered with tries from Jorja Miller and Risa Pouri-Lane to pull within two. They allowed a try on the stroke of halftime.
Tries to Teresa Setefano and Manaia Nuku put the Black Ferns ahead 24-21 with four minutes to play, but Women's Sevens Player of the Year Maddison Levi denied New Zealand a season-opening triumph.
Miller scored a try in each half as the Black Ferns dominated Ireland to reach the semifinals, while captain Sarah Hirini dotted down twice in the victory over France.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks Sevens side has finished fourth in Dubai after losing two of three matches for the second straight day.
After scraping into the quarterfinals, the ABs Sevens defeated South Africa 24-17 in the last-eight, with two late tries from rookie Sofai Maka getting them past the Blitz Bokke.
Tomasi Cama's rebuilding squad could not contend with Spain in the semifinals, losing 19-14, before falling to Argentina 14-0 in the playoff for third.