The Black Ferns Sevens have been made to work for victory against against Canada in the cup quarter finals of the Sydney Sevens, and have advanced with a 17-7 win at Spotless Stadium.
In a cagey start to the first half, it was New Zealand that struck first, with Ruby Tui on hand to open the scoring after a smart offload from Theresa Fitzpatrick.
However, it wouldn't all go the Black Ferns Sevens' way, with Canada's Ghislaine Landry slicing through the Kiwi line to score before the break, adding the extras to see New Zealand 7-5 down with less than a minute left on the clock in the first spell.
A relentless final play saw the Black Ferns snatch the lead back with the final play of the first half though, with captain Sarah Hirini eventually crossing over in the corner in a move that also left star Tyla Nathan-Wong having to be carried from the field injured.
Up 10-7 going into the second half, the Kiwis would again be the first side to score, Fitzpatrick this time scoring a try of her own after Michaela Blyde turned provider, with the successful conversion giving the Black Ferns Sevens a 10-point lead.
Ultimately, New Zealand's class in defence would prove too much for Canada to overcome, holding out for a victory and sending them through to tomorrow's cup semi-final.
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