Australia and New Zealand came into the final tournament of the season searching for a third victory as both sides shared two wins apiece and have been the dominant forces on the tour this year.

Australia, trailing the All Blacks by two points coming into Amsterdam, looked impressive in the group stages yesterday as they recorded wins over France, South Africa and Russia while New Zealand overcame the United States, Ireland and a very competitive Spain side.

The action at the NRCA Stadium today saw the Aussies despatch the Brazilians in the quarter-finals before overcoming Canada in the semi-finals, while New Zealand cruised past Russia in their quarter-final and secured a place in the decider with a win over England.

That meant that the Kiwis had all but secured the World Series title as their opponents needed to make up a 74-point differential if they were to claim the crown.

Australian try-machine Emilie Cherry got her side off to the perfect start in the final by touching down inside the first two minutes however, the reigning champions hit back with three first-half tries through Shiray Tane, Kayla McAllister and Carla Hohepa to go in at the break 17-5 ahead.

Despite another try from Ellia Green, the Australians saw their hopes of victory evaporate as Hohepa and McAllister crossed the white chalk again to eventually secure a 29-12 win and begin the celebrations.

"It's an awesome feeling, there is no other feeling like it," said a delighted Hohepa afterwards.

"The girls really dug in and you have got to give all the respect to Australia, they made us work for it but we really dug in and managed to come away with the win.

"We showed a lot of heart out there and we did it for each other and for everyone back home."

Emilie Cherry of Australia was named IRB Women's Sevens Player of the Year ©IRB



For Cherry, there was the consolation of being named the IRB Women's Sevens Player of the Year after she finished the season as top try-scorer with 33 and top points-scorer on 195.

"I am very humbled to receive this great award," said Cherry.

"But, I have always got to put it back to the team because they have really worked hard all season and this just reflects that hard work."

Meanwhile, Lauren Doyle starred for the United States, as she bagged a brace of tries to help her side beat Russia 27-12 in the Plate final in Amsterdam while hosts the Netherland's delighted the home crowd by claiming the Bowl following a 29-7 win over South Africa.

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