Flying Fijians on Kiwis tail

IRB.Com
Saturday, February 06, 2010

IN winning the NZI 7s title, Fiji also cut New Zealand's lead in the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series to just four points.

All the latest on the final day of knock-out action at the NZI Sevens in Wellington, the third leg in the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series.

Fiji have cliched the 2010 NZI Sevens title after winning a stunning final of breathless intensity 19-14 against South Sea Island rivals Samoa.

Iliesa Tanivula's side were the outstanding side of the tournament, ending England's title defence at the semi final stage and then going on to clinch a first Wellington crown since 2006.

In doing so, they also cut New Zealand's lead in the 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series to just four points.

Gordon Tietjens' New Zealand side came up short against a superb Samoan display of power and trickery, the returning Uale Mai inspiring the Samoans to a convincing 24-14 win.

Fiji then ended England's brave title defence, forwards Setefano Cakau, Seremaia Burotu and Pio Tuwai doing much of the damage as they ran out 28-19 winners.

Fiji claim Wellington Cup title

Final details to follow...

Gordon Tietjens' New Zealand side came up against a superb Samoan display of power and trickery in the first Cup semi final, Uale Mai inspiring the islanders to a convincing 24-14 win that has blown wide open the race for the IRB Sevens World Series crown.

The Samoans first fought from behind to beat Kenya and then raced out to a commanding lead against the kiwis, Mai scoring two tries in the space of two minutes in the second half to turn the screw.

Fiji then produced a clinical display against injury-hit England to win the second Cup semi 28-19. Youngsters Dan Caprice and Mat Turner produced mature performances for England but Ben Ryan's side turned over too much ball and the Fijians took advantage to come back from an early deficit to build a lead they never relinquished.

Earlier, New Zealand beat trans-Tasman rivals Australia to reach the Cup semis.

In the other half of the draw England had to wait six minutes to register their first score against surprise package Canada, but went on to win 31-0 against the young Cannucks.

Australia beat South Africa to Plate

For the second tournament running Australia were too strong for South Africa in a Plate final running out 26-22 winners thanks to Clinton Sills' late try. They take 12 points towards their World Series tally.

Earlier, the Australians had overwhelmed Kenya and South Africa had too much in the tank for brave Canada, whose youngsters did new coach Morgan Williams proud over the two days and take six points in the World Series.

Wales beat France to Bowl

Wales won their third Bowl trophy of the season with a hard-fought 7-5 victory against France.

Earlier, in a replay of last year's Rugby World Cup Sevens final, Wales beat Argentina in the first semi, while France followed victory over the USA with another against Niue.

USA clinch Shield

One week before their home USA Sevens in Las Vegas, Al Caravelli's Eagles beat Tonga to the Wellington Shield. Matt Hawkins, Nick Edwards and Paul Emerick all scored as the US came from behind to win 17-14.