Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Defending Gold Coast gold medallists Black Ferns, All Blacks Sevens settle for bronze

New Zealand have fallen from Commonwealth Games sevens supremacy with a thud, failing to retain either of the women's or men's gold medals secured at Gold Coast 2018.

The teams that captured gold and silver at last year's Tokyo Olympics have had to settle for bronze at Birmingham, after stumbling at the semi-final stages of their respective tournaments.

The Black Ferns Sevens held off a late surge from Canada to claim a 19-12 victory, after they were knocked out of gold medal contention by eventual winners, Australia.

New Zealand dominated the first half, with Michaela Blyde and Kelly Brazier crossing for tries to give them the 12-0 lead at the break.

Alena Saili looked to have put the game to bed with a sensational run from inside her own half, but Canada would stage a late fightback.

Two tries in as many minutes reduced the Black Ferns Sevens' lead to just seven points, with a kick-off to come after the hooter.

Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Defending Gold Coast gold medallists Black Ferns, All Blacks Sevens settle for bronze

But Canada were unable to regather, as New Zealand held on to claim the bronze medal at Birmingham.

The All Blacks Sevens followed right after, and had an easier time of it against Australia, clinching a 26-12 victory for the bronze.

Leroy Carter and Moses Leo both scored a brace, as New Zealand ran out comfortable winners, following their heartbreaking semi–final defeat to Fiji.

All Blacks Sevens captain Sam Dickon was proud of the bounceback victory.

"Obviously, it was devastating losing that semi to Fiji, especially in overtime. She's been a tough couple of hours, to be honest," he said.

"But I'm so proud of the way the boys came out and pulled ourselves together and, jeez, it was a good Australian team and the boys put on a clinic."

South Africa's men stunned Fiji in the final, to claim gold with a 31-7 win at Birmingham.

Join us at 7pm Monday for live updates of the Birmingham Games