New Zealand Complete Dubai Sevens Double with Dramatic Men's Finish and Commanding Women's Win

New Zealand swept the Dubai Sevens on Sunday, defeating Australia in both the men's and women's finals to claim a rare tournament double. The men edged a tense contest 26-22, while the women produced a convincing 29-14 victory.

Men's final — tight finish and big moments

The men’s final delivered the greater drama. New Zealand, the most successful side in World Rugby Sevens history, arrived in Dubai with questions after an uncharacteristic seventh-place finish across last season's full schedule and no finals appearances. Still, the Kiwis went unbeaten in Dubai to claim their first men's title there since 2018, having earlier knocked out defending champions Fiji 24-21 in the semifinals.

Australia opened through Maurice Longbottom, who was injured while scoring and had to leave the match. New Zealand responded quickly: Dylan Collier and Akuila Rokolisoa crossed within a minute following a break by Tone Ng Shiu to give the Kiwis a 12-7 halftime lead.

Late in the first half, Brady Rush produced a sensational try-saving tackle to deny Aden Ekanayake, and referee George Selwood halted play to review a possible foul play that resulted in no sanction. Early in the second half a turnover allowed Rokolisoa to free Sione Molia for a 50-metre score that made it 19-5.

Australia mounted a fierce comeback in the final five minutes — replicating a resilient display from their pool meeting when they recovered from 21-0 down to lose 21-17 — with tries from William Cartwright, Harry Wilson (two) and Jayden Keelan closing the gap to four points. However, time ran out on Australia’s bid for their first tournament title since Hong Kong 2023. Ultimately New Zealand’s three successful conversions versus Australia’s single conversion proved decisive.

Women's final — early pressure sets the tone

The women's final followed a familiar rivalry. New Zealand and Australia had met in multiple finals last season, with Australia dominant in Dubai in previous years. This time New Zealand’s defensive pressure and clinical finishes made the difference.

Early loose passes by Australia allowed Stacey Waaka and Kelsey Teneti to score inside the opening four minutes, and World Sevens Player of the Year Jorja Miller added a converted try to send New Zealand in 17-0 at the break. Risi Pouri-Lane extended the lead to 22-0 after another turnover.

Australia fought back through two tries from Heidi Dennis, and New Zealand’s Jazmin Felix-Hotham spent time in the sin bin. The Kiwis reasserted control when Katelyn Vaha'akolo forced a knock-on from Mackenzie Davis and Miller finished the move for her seventh try of the tournament — tying her with Maddison Levi for top scorer. Notably, the final was the only match in the tournament in which Levi did not score.

The World Rugby Sevens Series now moves on to Cape Town next weekend.