Aussies distraught over sevens brain explosion

The Australian women's sevens team have rallied around ‘‘distraught’' rookie Cassie Staples following her embarrassing mistake that helped New Zealand claim gold at the Commonwealth Games.

A ‘‘miscommunication in the heat of the moment'’ was the explanation given for Staples decision to punt the ball into the stands on the regular time siren with the scores locked at 12-12.

The kick forced the game to extra time where the Kiwis exacted revenge for their Rio Olympics final loss with Kelly Brazier streaking away for an 80m try to give New Zealand the gold.

Australian captain Shannon Parry said Staples was distraught about her mistake.

‘‘I was on the bench but I have spoken to Cassie and a few of the players and they were saying ‘ have a crack, have a crack'," Parry said.

"That got misinterpreted to kick out. Just a bit of miscommunication, that crowd could have been a factor as well.

"But that's no reason for the loss. We were 12-all and still in with a shot. That's not a reason or an excuse. We will rally around each other, we won a silver medal which we are very proud of."

As the incident unfolded Staples' teammates couldn't believe what they were seeing as the ball flew over the touchline.

Australian coach Tim Walsh said there were other mistakes in the final that counted more than Staples' blunder.

"Things in sport and life go wrong. You've just got to park them and learn off them later."