Australia's hopes of taking out the 2026 women's World Rugby Sevens Series have come to an end in the United States, despite again going perfect in pool action.
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The Aussies thrashed Japan 47-7, Canada 40-0 and then got over the hosts 26-19 on day one of action in Harrison, New Jersey.
Series-leading tryscorer Maddison Levi continued to break records, notching up her 250th in the win over Canada, but it wasn't enough to stop New Zealand from claiming the title even before the final is played in the last tournament of the season.
The Black Ferns also won all three of their group matches to earn a place opposite the hosts in Sunday's semi-finals. In doing so, they established an unassailable lead over Australia on the series ladder.
Defending series champions New Zealand are attempting to win the US tournament for the third-straight year. Australia will play Fiji in the other semi, which will likely set up an Australia-New Zealand final for the sixth time this year.
"Winning the series has definitely been a goal of ours this season," New Zealand captain Risi Pouri-Lane said.
"To win the league and be consistent throughout it is probably one of the hardest things to do because it's such a long season.
"I'm proud of the girls to get that done but, just because we've got the league title, it doesn't mean we can slack off. The girls know that we've got more to give so nothing changes."
Australia, who beat France 24-0, New Zealand 12-7 and South Africa 19-12, will play Fiji and Argentina will face the Blitzboks in the men's semis.
Fiji and South Africa are tied atop that table, meaning the series winner may not be decided until the final.
With AP.
Australian Associated Press
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