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New Zealand can still regain the world sevens rugby crown despite an early exit in the seventh and penultimate round of the series in London today.
New Zealand crashed out in the quarterfinals of the Cup competition when losing 10-19 to arch nemesis Samoa.
But their world title hopes remain alive after Samoa lost their semifinal 12-24 to South Africa and New Zealand went on to beat Fiji 26-24 in the Plate final.
Australia beat reigning world titleholders South Africa 19-14 in the Cup final to join Fiji in third place on the points standings entering the final round at Edinburgh.
However, they are well behind Samoa and New Zealand. Samoa sit top on 140 points, with New Zealand on 133 and Australia and Fiji on 102.
New Zealand can regain the world title but need to win the tournament at Edinburgh and hope Samoa do not reach the final.
Australia's success today ended Samoa's stranglehold after they had won the previous three tournaments in Las Vegas, Adelaide and Hong Kong.
Results:
Quarterfinals
Cup: Samoa 19 NEW ZEALAND 10, South Africa 17 England 12, Australia 29 Fiji 28, Argentina 27 Wales 14.
Bowl: United States 19 Kenya 10, Canada 21 Russia 12, Scotland 21 France 12, Portugal 41 Italy 0.
Semifinals
Cup: Australia 26 Argentina 14, South Africa 24 Samoa 12.
Plate: NEW ZEALAND 22 England 19, Fiji 22 Wales 10.
Bowl: Canada 22 United States 17, Portugal 24 Scotland 19.
Shield: Kenya 21 Russia 17, France 29 Italy 7.
Finals
Cup: Australia 19 South Africa 14.
Plate: NEW ZEALAND 26 Fiji 24.
Bowl: Canada 19 Portugal 17.
Shield: Kenya 24 France 21.
Series points ahead of the final tournament in Edinburgh, Scotland, next weekend: Samoa 140, NEW ZEALAND 133, Australia 102, Fiji 102, England 80, South Africa 74, Argentina 54, Kenya 52, United States 32, Wales 30.