It was a scoreline which flattered the New Zealanders, as they scored two late tries after trailing 24-5.
The damage was done during the period when ace Portia Woodman was in the sin bin after being deemed to have committed an intentional knockdown. Australia scored 12 points during that time, one try on either side of the break, opening up a gap after the scores had been locked at 5-5.
New Zealand kept coming, but could not find a way through and before nice interplay up the left wing saw Australia extend the lead further.
From there it was New Zealand who had the better of the play, but left their run too late.
Woodman hat-trick propels NZ to final
Eariler a Woodman hat-trick propelled the Kiwi team to a 25-7 win over Great Britain in the semifinal, while Australia dispatched Canada 17-5.
As she did in yesterday's quarterfinal, Woodman opened scoring with her now trademark burst down the sideline to score in the corner.
New Zealand's lead was shortlived however, with Great Britain replying a minute and a half later with a try to Alice Richardson. The resulting conversion gave the Brits a 7-5 lead.
Ruby Tui got the Kiwi team back in front, scoring a well-worked try in the corner after Kayla McAlister made the initial break.
The real drama came minute before halftime, with Great Britain collecting two yellow cards in the space of 30 seconds, reducing the team to just five players.
New Zealand made sure they capitalised on their numbers advantage, with Woodman collecting two tries either side of halftime to take a handy lead.
Huriana Manuel then sealed the deal for the Kiwi team, barging her way over with two minutes remaining in the match.
- Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald
