Sevens: Black Ferns Sevens fall to USA in quarters

Niall Williams.
Niall Williams. Photo credit: Image: Getty

The Black Ferns Sevens side have finished fifth at the Kitakyushu sevens tournament in Japan - beating Australia 34-26 in the playoff match. 

Earlier, they were knocked out of cup contention losing in a thriller to the USA in the quarter-finals. 

The game went down to the wire before Kristi Kirshe scored the match winner, taking the final score to 26-19.

The game was a battle from the start with both teams trading tries throughout the game.

Naya Tapper opened the scoring for the USA, breaking through the Kiwi's defence in the third minute, before New Zealand hit back through Dhys Sepi Faleafaga, who scored two tries on the first day of the tournament.

Kris Thomas then took the lead out to 12-5 to give USA the advantage at half-time.

Alev Kelter crossed the line after the break to extend their lead before a late double from Niall Williams gave the Ferns hope, tying the scores at 19-19.

Kirshe then sealed the deal for the USA - taking them through to the semi-finals.

The loss ends the Ferns' run of three straight tournament victories to start the 2018-19 Series. 

New Zealand will face Russia in the fifth place semi-final at 4:36pm NZT.

Newshub.