Australia clinch rugby 7s gold

Australia became the first Olympic champions in women's rugby sevens when they ran out convincing 24-17 winners over trans-Tasman neighbours New Zealand in the gold medal final at the Deodoro Stadium in Rio on Monday.

The world series champions went behind early in the match but unanswered tries from Emma Tonegato, Evania Pelite, Ellia Green and Charlotte Caslick gave them a lead New Zealand were unable to overhaul.

The Australians huddled in tearful hugs under the posts at the realisation their dream, not only of having the chance to compete in the Games but of winning gold, had been realised.

"It brings tears to my eyes," explained Green.

"We've just made Australian history, rugby history. It means everything."

New Zealand, who had two tries from the outstanding Kayla McAlister and one at the death from Portia Woodman, performed a tearful haka in front of the crowd at the end of the match, their dreams of gold shattered.

"Pretty gutted. We came out here to win a gold medal and we are bringing back a silver," said New Zealand captain Sara Goss.

"But silver's still good in New Zealand's eyes and we hope we have done them proud."

It was the spell around halftime that Woodman, the top try scorer in the tournament with 10, spent in the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on that probably ended New Zealand's hopes.

Without question the best two of the 12 teams in the tournament, both New Zealand and Australia had come through scares at the hands of the United States on Sunday to stamp their authority on the semifinals.