The Aussies triumphed in a four-try haul including two which came either side of half-time when Kiwi winger Portia Woodman was in the sin bin for a deliberate knock-on.

Rio marked the first time since 1924 that rugby had featured at the Olympics and was the debut for rugby sevens.

It was the first time women had played rugby at the Games.

New Zealand did a post-match haka during which some of their players were crying.