NZ wins yet again

Fiji Times - Monday, February 11, 2008 2:33 PM

Reigning IRB Sevens Series champions New Zealand have beaten South Africa 27-12 in a nervy final at San Diego's PETCO Park to take the USA Sevens title and open up a massive 32-point lead in the 2007/08 Series.

In beating Kenya to reach the final the kiwis eclipsed their own six year old record of 34 successive victories and the victory over South Africa secured a fourth Cup victory out of four this season, a feat never previously achieved, taking them to 80 series points so far.

The atmosphere was tense and much of the match defence-oriented as the Boks set out to nullify the kiwis' physical presence and attacking threat out wide, but that threat soon presented New Zealand with a lead, Edwin Cocker crossing for the first try.

South Africa were then reduced to six men for two minutes when Horne was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle and in the ensuing minutes Victor Vito crossed for their second try.

Captain DJ Forbes made it 17-0 before Mzwandile Stick brought the score back to 17-7 at the break. Vuyo Zanqa struck to give the Boks some glimmer of hope but tries by Zar Lawrence and then Forbes once again closed New Zealand's account and confirmed their status as the best Sevens side on the planet at present.