'I don't show too much emotion': Kiwi captain lets F-bomb slip after crushing Australia in sevens final

New Zealand captain Sarah Hirini could not contain her emotion after leading her side to a dominant victory over Australia in the Los Angeles Sevens final on Monday (AEST).

The crushing 31-7 win meant the Black Ferns added the world championship title to their Olympic gold medal from Paris as well as being 2024-25 SVNS series league winners.

Jorja Miller was crowned player of the final after another brilliant all around performance while the Kiwis suffocated Australia's strike weapon Maddison Levi.

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Charlotte Caslick's experience and class was sorely missed and Faith Nathan - the oldest player in the Aussie side at just 25 - was in tears at fulltime.

Hirini, meanwhile, was fired up as she fist pumped in delight after getting revenge for Australia's win in Madrid last year.

"Man that feels good - I'm so, so happy," the 32-year-old said as Poi E rang out in LA.

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"It's nice to be able to take that world series trophy back home. I don't show too much emotion but it just probably showed how much it meant to this group.

"After the Olympic gold medal we wanted to show we were a great team and to us that was winning the league and winning the series. And we did it. Obviously I was f---ing excited about it. Thank you so much. Keep supporting women's rugby please."

New Zealand scored five tries to one and took a 12-0 lead into halftime on the back of scores to Miller and Michaela Brake.

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But Australia hit back straight after the break, with rising star Mackenzie Davis streaking away to score under the posts.

Cue Miller and Brake, again, who combined with some excellent play down the left wing to set up Risi Pouri-Lane to score their third try.

A minute later, the final was essentially sealed when a turnover from Miller led to Mahina Paul crashing over and all of a sudden New Zealand had a 19 point lead.

Hirini then fittingly iced the cake with a minute to go.

"Despite not the crowning finish, it was a season that exceeded expectation," Australia coach Tim Walsh said.

"We created some cherished memories and secured two unforgettable tournament wins highlighted by the home victory in Perth.

"With a bit of performance interference, the team showed tremendous Aussie sevens character. We immersed ourselves in our work. We won, we lost, we grew and we can't wait to do it all again next season.

"Our army is maturing and our cavalry is returning for the 2025-2026 season starting at the end of this year."

Australia's men's team finished sixth after losing to France 33-7 in their final match.

"We played at our best all season on day one, winning against Spain and Fiji but then losing to New Zealand by only two points," coach Liam Barry said.

"The competition is so tough that we missed out on a semi-final by a points differential of one point. We just have to learn how important each play is, how every play counts and how to manage the game better. The team played incredibly well yet didn't get the outcome we so all wanted. It's been a huge effort from the team all season and something to really grow and learn from."

South Africa took out the men's title with a 19-5 win in the final over the season's big surprise packet Spain.

Spain upset league champion Argentina in the semi-finals but couldn't repeat that in the final.

South Africa's physical defence was critical against a Spain team which enjoyed a surplus of possession.

Selwyn Davids scored the only try of the first half, stepping past tackles inside his own 20m area and going more than 80m to score under the posts.

Spain opened the second half with a try to star Pol Pla which made the score 7-5.

South Africa then finished strongly with tries to Mfundo Ndhlovu and Roberto Duarttee.

"It's pretty sweet. I think we owed this one to ourselves," South Africa captain Siviwi Soyizwapi said. - with Stuff and AP