HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series leaders New Zealand were in superb form in a tournament that ran alongside the men’s HSBC New Zealand Sevens in Hamilton.
It was an historic weekend for the team who were appearing at home for the first time in an international sevens tournament.
The Women's Fast Four Tournament was the perfect warm-up for the teams ahead of the HSBC Sydney Sevens next weekend, the third stop on the world series.
The Black Ferns Sevens entered the tournament without experienced regulars Portia Woodman and Kelly Brazier who were injured, and then lost captain Sarah Hirini to injury in the first match on day one against England.
England pushed New Zealand all the way in the opener only to go down 19-14 at the final whistle, but they regrouped to win their second match against China 33-14. France also beat a spirited China, whose young side are improving with each event they play against the world's best nations, but Les Bleues were unable to overcome their hosts as Stacey Waaka scored a hat-trick as the Black Ferns Sevens remained unbeaten on day one.
Day two action saw New Zealand overrun China 41-0 to claim a place in the final, while France earned its spot in the final by beating England 24-12 in a hard-fought arm-wrestle.
England finished third in the inaugural Fast Four Tournament after beating an improving China 26-7 in an entertaining and hard-fought third place play-off.
In the final the Black Ferns Sevens lived up their favourites tag, winning 31-0 with Waaka scoring two late tries to complete her second hat-trick against France in the tournament. Determined to deliver the title, they allowed France no room whatsoever and the defence was immaculate in not allowing France to score any points.
Stand-in captain Tyla Nathan-Wong said it was special to win at home and a dream come true for the side who needed to do it after losing Hirini. “I’m glad at how well the girls hung out together, we were connected on defence,” she said.
Fast Four results
France 31-7 China
New Zealand 19-14 England
England 33-14 China
New Zealand 24-5 France
New Zealand 41-0 China
England 12-24 France
Third place play-off: England 26-7 China
Final: New Zealand 31-0 France