The Black Ferns and All Blacks Sevens have both taken top-three finishes at the Dubai leg of the World Series - albeit not the placings they'd have wanted.
As both New Zealand sides reached the semi-finals on Saturday (NZ time), neither could capitalise to take their first tournament victories of the season.
In the women's draw, the Black Ferns Sevens were able to advance to the final - courtesy of an emphatic 36-0 victory over the USA.
A double to Shiray Kaka and further tries to Michaela Blyde, Kelly Brazier, Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Tyla Nathan-Wong saw New Zealand outclass their opponents from the first whistle, and book their spot in the final.
However, despite a Blyde hat-trick, the Black Ferns Sevens were outclassed in the tournament decider, losing 26-19 to new World Series leaders Australia.
Four tries, scored by Sharni Williams, Faith Nathan, Maddison Levi and Demi Hayes were enough for Australia to march to a tournament win to open their new season, adding to their World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold already won in 2022.
Australia top the standings after one leg, with 20 points, while the Black Ferns Sevens sit second with 18 points.
Meanwhile, on the men's side of the draw, the All Blacks Sevens were felled by South Africa in their semi-final, throwing away a 12-0 halftime lead in the process.
Up 12-0 thanks to a Caleb Tangitau double, South Africa came roaring back with tries to Muller du Plessis and Ricardo James Duarttee.
Akuila Rokolisoa scored to restore New Zealand's lead but two unanswered tries to Branco du Preez and Shilton van Wyk were enough for South Africa to march into the final.
In the bronze medal playoff, the All Blacks Sevens were at the very least able to podium, courtesy of a 31-12 victory over the USA.
Coming from behind, a Rokolisoa double and further tries to Tangitau, Brady Rush and Amanaki Nicole left the USA unable to match New Zealand's firepower to take the final podium place.
South Africa's victory over Ireland in the tournament final sees them move to the top of the men's World Series standings with 32 points, level with Australia in second place.
The All Blacks Sevens are seventh on the standings, with ninth place in Hong Kong to go with third in Dubai.
Both men's and women's World Sevens Series continue next week, with the third leg held in Cape Town, South Africa.
