Rugby Sevens: Black Ferns dominate to win USA Sevens

Black Ferns Sevens star Portia Woodman. Photo / Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby

The Black Ferns have made a brilliant start to the new sevens season, crushing the home side to win the USA tournament in Colorado.

It was the Black Ferns Sevens sixth straight tournament win, to go with their Commonwealth Games gold medal, World Cup triumph and final three wins from last season.

Captain Sarah Goss said the Black Ferns had been stung by Australia's series win last year, when a flying start to the season allowed them to cling on against the fast-finishing Kiwis.

"I'm pretty stoked...the girls performed extremely well," she said after the comprehensive 33-7 win in the final, their 33rd straight victory.

"Women's rugby is looking amazing and I can't wait for the teams to get better and better.

"We've had a short pre-season but that's great because we got to play again early. We've had girls back in the black jersey who haven't played for a while, and they stood up and showed they are supposed to be here."

Altitude was an initial problem in Colorado but Goss said the New Zealand team loved playing in the United States. Colorado was added this year to make it a six tournament series.

The Americans scored first in the final but Portia Woodman's footwork gave her the initial space to score two long range tries down the left. And when Goss scored after the halftime hooter, with a long run down the centre of the field, New Zealand were in control at 21 - 7.

New Zealand dominated the second spell during which Woodman scored her third try. Ruby Tui, who grabbed some big turnovers, won the women of the match award.

Canada won the bronze medal match 28 - 0 over France. The USA had pipped France by two points in the semifinals, while New Zealand beat Canada 28 - 19.

The next tournament is late this month in Dubai.