The Black Ferns perform the haka after winning the World Cup in San Francisco.
The Black Ferns perform the haka after winning the World Cup in San Francisco.
MARK RALSTON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Story highlights

New Zealand 29-0 France in women's final

Black Ferns first side to retain title

CNN  — 

New Zealand won the women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco by defeating France 29-0 in Saturday’s final.

Michaela Blyde stole the show with a hattrick – ending the tournament with nine tries in total – while Portia Woodman and Tyler Nathan-Wong also got on the scoresheet in what proved to be a comfortable victory.

It means the Blacks Ferns retain the title they won in Moscow in 2013, the inaugural women’s World Cup having been won by Australia in 2009.

“It’s an amazing day,” said captain Sarah Goss. “France are a quality team and for them not to score against us is a proud effort from the sisters.

“We had one goal and that was to take the trophy back and I can’t wait to go home and show it to the New Zealand public.”

Comprehensive victories over Mexico (57-0) and Ireland (45-0) handed the Black Ferns a semifinal clash with host USA.

READ: New Zealand lifts women’s title in Paris but Australia takes Series crown

That proved to be the greatest challenge of the weekend. Trailing at halftime after two tries from Eagles’ Naya Tapper, New Zealand scored three in the second period to win 26-21.

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South Africa's team holds the trophy after winning the final of the Men cup rugby union 7s game between South Africa and England, on the third day of the 2018 Paris Sevens at Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris on June 10, 2018. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP) (Photo credit should read GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP/Getty Images)
World Rugby Sevens series wrap
23:14 - Source: CNN

It was France’s best ever result at a World Cup having ousted World Series champion Australia in the semifinal.

In a scintillating encounter, Anne-Cecile Ciofani scored after the hooter to give Les Bleus a 19-12 victory.

READ: All you need to know ahead of the Sevens World Cup

“It’s my first silver medal in a World Cup, it’s awesome,” said Chloe Pelle after the final.

“We came here and we wanted to have a medal – we didn’t know what color it would be, but it’s great.

Over 100,000 fans attended the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco.
Over 100,000 fans attended the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco.
MARK RALSTON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The World Rugby Sevens Series will have another round for the women's competition in 2019 -- in Glendale, Colorado.
The World Rugby Sevens Series will have another round for the women's competition in 2019 -- in Glendale, Colorado.
MARK EVANS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The men's series kicks off at the end of November in Dubai.
The men's series kicks off at the end of November in Dubai.
Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The next stop is Cape Town. South Africa is the defending champion after pipping Fiji for the title in the 10-round series.
The next stop is Cape Town. South Africa is the defending champion after pipping Fiji for the title in the 10-round series.
Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The event then moves to Hamilton in New Zealand.
The event then moves to Hamilton in New Zealand.
Fiona Goodall/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Australia is the defending women's champion.
Australia is the defending women's champion.
Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The Las Vegas and Hong Kong legs are the only three-day events.
The Las Vegas and Hong Kong legs are the only three-day events.
Brandon Magnus /Getty Images North America/Getty Images
In May, the women's tour arrives in Langford, Canada.
In May, the women's tour arrives in Langford, Canada.
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
The Hong Kong sevens has established a reputation for its vibrant fan atmosphere.
The Hong Kong sevens has established a reputation for its vibrant fan atmosphere.
Power Sport Images/Getty Images for HSBC
Singapore's National Stadium has a 55,000 capacity.
Singapore's National Stadium has a 55,000 capacity.
Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
The 2019 series also welcomes Japan, who secured a place by winning the Hong Kong qualifier in April.
The 2019 series also welcomes Japan, who secured a place by winning the Hong Kong qualifier in April.
David Rogers/Getty Images South America/Getty Images
The penultimate destination is Twickenham in London.
The penultimate destination is Twickenham in London.
Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The series comes to a close for both men and women in Paris, France.
The series comes to a close for both men and women in Paris, France.
ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Rugby sevens destinations through the eyes of fans

“We really wanted to have that medal to show everyone that we’d been working a lot to be better and we’ve proved that yes, they can count on us.”

There were crowds of close to 100,000 expected throughout the weekend at San Francisco’s AT&T Park with the men’s event set to conclude Sunday.

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It was the first time ever the World Cup had been held in a knockout format, with 16 teams playing 32 games in the women’s competition.

Australia beat USA 26-21 to take bronze, while England recovered from a shock first-round defeat to Ireland to claim the Challenge Trophy with a 31-5 victory over Japan.