The Black Ferns sevens, who topped their pool yesterday at the Cape Town Stadium, trailed 14-7 at half-time in their quarter-final against England.

England, who had reached the knock-out stage on points difference, were unable to prevent a New Zealand fightback in a thrilling second half.

Tries from Kelly Brazier, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Ruby Tui and Mahina Paul gave New Zealand a hard-fought 26-21 victory.

New Zealand enjoyed a 15-5 win in the semi-finals against Canada, who had stunned the United States 15-14 in their last eight tie.

Australia advanced to their second final in three events, following a comfortable 38-7 triumph against Fiji and a closely fought 24-19 win over France.

New Zealand asserted their dominance early on in the final as Brazier scored the first try after three minutes.

Tui doubled the lead five minutes later to give New Zealand a 12-0 advantage at half-time.

Both teams scored a try apiece in the second half as New Zealand closed out a 17-7 victory.

The result gave New Zealand a second consecutive win in the series, having triumphed at Dubai last weekend.

Canada, who were runners-up in Dubai, won the bronze medal match by overcoming France 22-17.

New Zealand will aim to continue their winning streak in front of their home crowd when the series continues in Hamilton on January 25 and 26.