Sevens: Black Ferns, All Blacks win Cape Town titles

New Zealand has completed the Cape Town Sevens double, with the Black Ferns and All Blacks winning the women's and men's titles on Monday (NZ time).

The Black Ferns Sevens beat Australia 17-7 in their final to win the inaugural women's title, with the men edging hosts South Africa 7-5 to claim the title for the first time since 2017. 

Speedster Kelly Brazier struck first to put the Black Ferns on the front foot, backed up by a try to Ruby Tui on the stroke of halftime.

Australia scored first in the second half, but the result was put beyond doubt, when Tui crossed for her second. 

The All Blacks Sevens won the men's Cape Town title.
The All Blacks Sevens won the men's Cape Town title. Photo credit: Photosport

Tui was later awarded Player of the Final, but her award was accepted by coach Allan Bunting, due to an unknown injury sustained in the final. 

The win pulled New Zealand clear of Australia and USA at the top of the standings after three events during the 2019/20 season. 

The men's final was a tense affair, with both sides failing to score in the first half. 

Seabelo Senatla created a try for Justin Geduld early in the second stanza to put the hosts in front. 

But the Kiwis hit back, when Ngarohi McGarvey-Black scored and Akuila Rokolisoa converted to put the men in black leading with just a couple of minutes left to play.

The 'Blitzboks' conceded a penalty in the final minute, New Zealand kicked the ball to touch and won the resultant lineout, then booted the ball into the stands to end the game.

Last week, the All Blacks Sevens lost to South Africa 15-0 in the Dubai final and captain Tim Mickelson was pleased to get some revenge. 

"It doesn't get much harder than that," he said. "Playing South Africa at home in front of 50,000 fans... it was an awesome final." 

The rivals are now tied atop the standings after two tournaments. 

The next leg of the world series takes place in Hamilton on January 25/26, featuring both men and women competitions.

Join us for live updates of the Hamilton Sevens on January 25/26.