World champions New Zealand proved too strong for an undermanned Australia to win the Gold Coast rugby sevens world series tournament late last night.
The Kiwis overcame a sluggish start to take out the title with a 40-19 victory.
It was New Zealand's first tournament win on the Gold Coast, after finishing runners-up to Fiji in the previous two years.
Australia went into the final without ex-Gold Coast Titan Shannon Walker and in-form star Nick Malouf, who both suffered head knocks in a gruelling semifinal clash against South Africa.
Despite their lack of bodies, the hosts made a bright start, racing to a 12-0 lead.