Sevens: Black Ferns claim fourth straight world series title with Sydney triumph

The Black Ferns Sevens have won their fourth straight World Series tournament, after winning the Sydney Sevens title at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday. 

The Kiwi women beat Canada 33-7 after the final was initially delayed due to thunderstorms and torrential rain. 

But the delays didn't stop New Zealand to their 19th consecutive win on the World Series circuit, which sees them hold a 16-point lead at the top of the standings with three tournaments remaining. 

Co-coach Cory Sweeney said it was a massive achievement for the team to back up after their win in Hamilton last weekend.

"We were probably a bit emotionally depleted after a big week in Hamilton so it was important to recover and I thought we grew through the tournament," said Sweeney. 

"At times we were really challenged and had to dig deep to get through some of those games and then to get to the final and have a performance like that - it's incredibly pleasing." 

New Zealand led 14-7 at the break thanks to tries from Tyla Nathan-Wong and Gayle Broughton. 

Tyla Nathan-Wong.
Tyla Nathan-Wong. Photo credit: Photosport

Tries from Niall Williams, Theresa Fitzpatrick, and Alena Saili in the second half helped seal the victory. 

After losing the opening tournament in Glendale in the US, the Ferns have gone onto secure wins  Dubai, Cape Town, and Hamilton.

"It's just massive. We've been working pretty hard to go back to back and to do it twice this season is massive. I'm just so happy, I can't believe we won the tournament. I'm speechless," captain Sarah Hirini said.

During the tournament, Nathan-Wong became the first Black Fern to reach 1000 career points.  

The men's World Series resumes in LA on February 28-March 1 and Vancouver on March 7-8, while the women have to wait for the Hong Kong Sevens on April 3-5.