After losing 29-10 to Fiji in the semi-finals, the Australians understood that only a triumph against Samoa would see them leapfrog South Africa, who had finished 13th in America, in the nine-leg standings.

Fiji also had a shot at the title providing they beat New Zealand in the final.

Unlike at the Commonwealth Games, where they lost to the Kiwis in the bronze medal match, Australia overcame the crucial hurdle by defeating Samoa 21-7 to claim bronze for the final leg and also the overall gold medal.

Corey Toole, Henry Paterson and Dietrich Roache all bagged tries on the path to victory as the latter took the responsibility of converting and made no mistake.

New Zealand, who had previously finished runner-up in Singapore and London, defeated Fiji 28-21 to end the season on a high at Dignity Health Sports Park in California.

Moses Leo's try and Kurt Baker's conversion proved to be the difference on this occasion.

Australia recorded their historic win after accumulating 126 points while South Africa and Fiji accumulated two and four less points respectively.

Argentina and Ireland capped off the top five with 118 and 92 points respectively.

Despite winning just one leg, which was in London, Australia propelled themselves to the top thanks to reaching the quarter-finals at every round - the only team to do so.

Australia are the fifth country to win the series after New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji and Samoa and it follows on from the women's team winning their title earlier this year, sealing their place as the dominant force in rugby sevens.

"It has been an amazing six months or so with the boys, we have had our ups and downs, but these kids have fought hard and they deserve this and it is something that they will remember for ever," Australian head coach John Manenti said.

"We are a bunch of misfits just having a crack, working hard for each other and the boys love each other which is a big thing.

"This season we wanted to be consistent from day one and we didn't get there every tournament, but in general this overall victory is all about the consistency the boys have shown."