Aotearoa Maori, an indigenous New Zealand team featuring Maori players, won the Women's Sevens final to keep the Cup at 'home' for the third year running at Hong Kong Stadium.
This wasn't the same all-conquering New Zealand national team that won all before them during the last two Cup competitions here, but a team that is set to go places with their own brand of impressive play.
And yesterday they showed that they were still in a league of their own after defeating USA 14-7 in a hard-fought final. Victory was sweeter as it was the Maori's first-ever foray in an international tournament.
Aotearoa, which means 'land of the long white cloud', clinched the Cup thanks to two tries - one each from Rachel Wikeepa and Honey Hireme with captain Kellie Kiwi adding to the score with two conversions. Before the match, Maori warrior Richard Waiwai performed a 'wero' or challenge to start the proceedings - and it was to prove a good omen.
'Thank God I converted both times,' said a relieved Kiwi after captaining her side to a memorable final. 'We expected a hard, physical game from the US. Both teams had opportunities to score, but blew it on several occasions. Our defence was the key.
'Against the Americans, you can never let your guard down. You always have to step it up against them and you can't afford to get in the comfort zone. They [USA] played with a lot of heart.'