The Black Ferns Sevens have been beaten 28-26 by hosts Australia in the final of the Perth World Series event.

Michaela Brake scored twice for New Zealand including the opener, but Australia seized the game’s momentum and clung on in the death as the Black Ferns got back to within two.

It’s Australia’s first title on home soil in 2018, but New Zealand remain top of the season standings by two points from their old foes.

Australia were without Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan but teen sensation Heidi Dennis stepped up in the final scoring a double.

“Just grit, all the way to the end. They really made us fight for that one,” Dennis said after the win.

Argentina won the men’s crown, thrashing Australia 41-5 in the final. The All Blacks Sevens finished ninth and seventh overall.