Kiwis win on home turf

IRB - Saturday, February 02, 2008 9:04 PM

New Zealand have kept up their impeccable unbeaten start to the 2007/08 IRB Sevens World Series by scoring at the death in Wellington to steal the NZI Sevens crown back from defending champions Samoa.

Powerful young wing Victor Vito scored in the first half and, with the scores tied at 17-17, crucially at the death to power the kiwis to a first title in Wellington since 2005.

New Zealand's third title this season - and fifth consecutive in all competitions - stretches their lead in the Series to 24 points from Fiji and another four ahead of third-placed South Africa.

South Africa beat Wales to Plate
South Africa won a fine match against Wales to take the Plate trophy and eight points for the series. Vuyo Zangqa and MJ Mentz went over for early tries for the Boks before James Harris pulled one back for Wales, but Mpho Mbiyozo's score just before half time gave Paul Treu's men a 19-5 lead at the break.

Wales then piled on the pressure in the second half but South Africa's defence stood firm and James Lewis' late try was nothing more than consolation for Wales, the Boks winning 19-12.

Tal Selley earlier scored one try and had a hand in much of Wales' best work in their 24-12 win over the Scots before Fabian Juries and Juan de Jongh inspired the Boks to a rare win against Fiji.

England win Bowl
England finished a disappointing Wellington tournament in positive style by beating Argentina 12-7 to win the Bowl.

The Pumas dominated possession and territory in the first half and were rewarded just before the break with a try by Alejandro Abadie. However, England hit back through Anthony Elliot before giant wing Matt Banahan crashed over for the decisive score.

England recovered from the disappointment of losing against the Cook Islands, Wales and Fiji on day one to beat Canada and France en route to the final, while the Pumas saw off Kenya and then the Cooks.

USA pip Kenya to Shield
The USA won the Shield title with a try in the dying seconds, having fought back from a 17-0 half time deficit against Kenya to win 22-17.

Two tries by Dennis Mwanja and one for Collins Injera shot Kenya to a strong lead but after the break a different USA side emerged and captain Todd Clever led the fight back. Jason Pye added a second and a late penalty try drew them level before Dallen Stanford touched down for the winner at the death.