Sevens: Black Ferns defend Dubai title, All Blacks fall short

Black Ferns celebrate their victory at Dubai Sevens. Credit: Image - Photosport, video - Sky Sport

New Zealand have defended their women's title at the Dubai Sevens, but fallen just short of the double, bowing to South Africa in the men's final.

After suffering a shock loss to France in pool play, the Black Ferns overcame Fiji 24-10 in the quarter-finals and progressed to the final with a 24-7 result over the United States.

On the other side of the draw, Canada had also dropped a pool game to the Americans, but eliminated France (19-7) and then stunned Australia 26-12 in the semis to set up a showdown with New Zealand in the final.

Speedster Stacey Waaka struck first to put the Black Ferns on the front foot, but tries to Karen Paquin and Julia Greenshields - both converted - had the Canadians ahead 14-5 at the break. 

New Zealand kept their rivals scoreless in the second half, with Waaka grabbing a second soon after the restart and substitute Gayle Broughton the last-gasp matchwinner in the final minute.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks Sevens passed unbeaten through pool play, and continued their dominance through knockout stages against the United States (26-5) and England (19-12).

They needed a last-minute converted try to Salesi Rayasi to edge the English and reach the final, but had nothing left against South Africa in the final, falling 15-0.

Both teams travel to Cape Town for the next round of the world series next weekend - the All Blacks finished fourth last year, while the women make their first trip to South Africa.

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