GOLD COAST – New Zealand left an unforgettable Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games rugby sevens competition with a fifth men's gold medal and the first-ever women's after an exhilarating day at a sun-drenched Robina Stadium on Sunday.
The All Blacks Sevens ran out 14-0 winners over long-time rivals Fiji in the men's final with co-captain Tim Mikkelson admitting afterwards that the team had been "lifted up" by the "pretty amazing" performance of their female counterparts as they beat Australia in sudden-death extra-time.
In one of the greatest games of sevens ever seen, Olympic champions Australia and world champions New Zealand went toe-to-toe for nearly 25 minutes in an incredible cacophony of noise until Kelly Brazier broke through in the sixth minute of extra-time to secure a 17-12 victory for her side.
With chants of 'Aussie' and 'Kiwi' bouncing off each other throughout, the Women's Rugby World Cup 2017 winner was roared over the line by the New Zealand fans, having just enough left in the tank to avoid the desperate chase of Dom du Toit to the delight of her teammates.
The two teams were given a standing ovation by the packed Robina Stadium crowd having produced a fitting finale to the first women's sevens competition at a Commonwealth Games.
England joined the New Zealand teams, Australia and Fiji on the podium after claiming bronze in both the men's and women's events.
England beat defending champions South Africa 21-14 in the men's event after the Red Roses had overcome Olympic bronze medallists Canada 24-19.