Australia’s women have been beaten 17-7 by arch-rivals New Zealand in the final of the Cape Town rugby Sevens.

The Black Ferns were more clinical in finishing off their chances on Sunday, with Kelly Brazier making the breakthrough in the third minute.

Ruby Tui then added a try as New Zealand opened up a 12-point lead at the break, but Australia refused to cave in as Ellia Green replied with a fine score and at least had the consolation of moving to the top of her country’s all-time World Sevens Series try-scoring list.

Player-of-the-match Tui struck again as she burst away from Carrie Staples to grab the third score as the Black Ferns held on for a comfortable victory.

It was a double celebration for New Zealand whose men’s team also won their decider, fighting back to edge hosts South Africa 7-5.

“I’m really proud of the effort of this group in Cape Town and we played some good rugby to reach the final,” Australia head coach John Manenti said.

“Across the three days our defence really stood up when it was needed and it allowed us to apply pressure in other parts of our game.

“New Zealand played well in the final and deserved their victory today. This group knows that they are improving with every tournament and that’s exciting as we head into the Hamilton and Sydney legs of the series.”

The result moves Australia into second position in the Sevens World Series ladder on 50 points, six points behind leaders New Zealand after three rounds.

Aussie duo Sharni Williams and Ellia Green also made the Cape Town Sevens Dream Team.

Australia’s men slumped to their worst finish in a World Series event since 2013, losing the 11th place playoff to Canada 22-5.