New Zealand bag Dubai 7s double with wins over Australia in both finals

New Zealand achieved a Dubai Sevens double after beating Australia in the men’s and women's finals on Sunday.

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The men just held on for a 26-22 victory while the women’s team dominated 29-14.

New Zealand has achieved the double before in the seven world series, most recently at Singapore in 2024, but this was a first in the seven world series: The same countries had never previously met in both finals at one tournament.

The men’s outcome was more surprising. New Zealand, the most successful team in world series history, finished an historic-low seventh in a full-schedule league last season, didn’t reach any finals, and came to the season-opener in Dubai with question marks.

But they were unbeaten for their first Dubai title since 2018, including knocking out defending champion Fiji 24-21 in the semifinals.

In the final, Australia made a bittersweet start when key playmaker Maurice Longbottom was injured in scoring the opening try and had to leave.