Get Newsletter

Sydney Sevens: New Zealand in three-way tie at the top

The Final, won 27-24 by the Kiwis deep into referee's additional time, will go down as one of the most intense and entertaining in many years.

ADVERTISEMENT

There was certainly not a lack of intensity or skills.

After four rounds, which saw New Zealand become the first team to win a second title (after their win in Wellington last week), the top three teams are all on 69 points.Sydney Sevens: New Zealand in three-way tie at the top

The Final against showed that New Zealand just don't know when they are beaten, stealing it at the death for the second weekend running.

This time it was Rieko Ioane breaking Australian hearts with his third try of the Final, after they worked him into space on the left.

Fiji finished third by beating a battered and bruised South African team in the consolation play-off.

Argentina won the Plate win a 24-0 victory over Kenya, Canada claiming the Bowl by beating Samoa 17-12 and Wales won the Shield after a 26-19 win over Russia.

ADVERTISEMENT

The fifth leg of the World Series takes place in Las Vegas from March 4 to 6.

* For the comprehensive overall standings after four rounds, CLICK HERE!

* For the semifinals report, CLICK HERE!

* For the quarterfinals report, CLICK HERE!

Cup Final – Australia 24-27 New Zealand

ADVERTISEMENT

The early exchanges were marked by the fierce contesting of the breakdown, with a few nervous errors thrown in for good measure.

It was eventually Henry Hutchinson who broke the deadlock, a try created by some sublime angled runs by the Aussies.

New Zealand hit straight back with a try by Rieko Ioane, a score which started from a turnover deep inside their own 22 and put on display their outstanding support play.Sydney Sevens: New Zealand in three-way tie at the top

Just over two minute from the break Sonny Bill Williams was sent to the sin bin, a call that came at the end of a number of high tackles – of which one other resulted in a penalty. The extra man overlap allowed Hutchinson to get his and Australia's second try. However, from the restart Kurt Baker found space down the right hand touchline and sprinted clear of the cover to make it 12-all at the half-time break

Early in the second half Rieko Ioane produced a great fend on Hutchinson, but a foot in touch prevented him from converting the effort into points.

The Aussies then produced a great team try – working it down the left, back up the blindside on the ;left touchline again and switching to the right where Sam Myers had plenty of space and jogged over.

From the restart New Zealand again hit straight back, Tim Mikkelson using his step and speed to beat the cover for another classic Sevens try – tying up at 17-all.

It was now Australia's turn to score from deep inside their 22, a powerful bust by Cameron Clark setting up Gregory Jeloudev for another awesome try.

A quick tap from a penalty for a neck roll at the breakdown allowed Rieko Ioane to get New Zealand to within two points (22-24) with the conversion drifting wide.

A penalty at the breakdown handed the ball to New Zealand, Rieko Ioane getting the five-pointer – the second week in a row that the Kiwis won in the Final after a penalty awarded to them into referee's additional time.

Third-place play-off – Fiji 26-12 South AfricaSydney Sevens: New Zealand in three-way tie at the top

South Africa, having arrived in Sydney with 10 frontline players out injured and another two going down during pool and play-off play at the tournament, were dealt another blow when Albertus Smith was banned for a high tackle in the semifinal loss to Australia.

The Fijians conceded a string of early penalties – for pushing players off the ball and pulling opponents down in the line-out. Yet, it was Pio Tuwai who opened the scoring, after a quick-tap from a breakdown penalty.

Now the breakdown penalties against the BlitzBoks at the breakdown came at such an alarming rate that it was not a surprise Rosco Speckman was yellow carded. Osea Kolinisau made use of the additional space to race over for Fiji's second try. Kolinisau then added a third (his second) as the frustrated BlitzBoks lost the plot on defence – making it 21-0 at the half-time break.

The BlitzBoks hit back early through Dylan Sages, as the Fijians still struggled to find the balance between physical and foul play. And from the restart, with Fiji failing to control the ball, Sandile Ngcobo went over for another – 12-21.

However, Fiji – from within their 22 – showed their stepping sand passing skills to allow Savenaca Rawaca stretched the lead to a safe margin again. Kolinisau was then yellow-carded for  a breakdown offence, but South Africa's handling let them down and it stayed 26-12 to Fiji.

Plate Final – Kenya 0-24 ArgentinaSydney Sevens: New Zealand in three-way tie at the top

It was a better first half for Kenya than in their semifinal, but it was Argentina who opened the scoring – after Nicolas Menéndez picked himself up off the floor to run over in the corner. The game descended into a little bit of craziness in the final minutes of the half with errors aplenty.

There was the rarity of a penalty try in Sevens, after Nelson Oyoo brought down Franco Sabato in their footrace to the line.

Sabato did not have to wait long to get his own try though, as Argentina took advantage of Kenya being a man down with Oyoo in the sin-bin. It was a good finish to the day for Argentina, but Kenya's fans have certainly played their part in creating the electric atmosphere.

Argentina coach Santiago Gomez Cora had a big smile on his face and who can blame him.

"It was a very good tournament and we finished with this Plate so I am very happy and proud of the development of this team," he said.

"We have a long way to go but we are happy with these steps."

Bowl Final – Samoa 12-17 CanadaSydney Sevens: New Zealand in three-way tie at the top

Pat Kay said thank you very much after a great offload from Adam Zaruba gave Canada the advantage in the Bowl Final against Samoa. Canada's good form continued with a second for Nathan Hirayama, leaving Samoa with plenty of work to do in the second half if they're going to win the Bowl.

Nathan Hirayama scored his second of the match for Canada, but missed out on his hat-trick after dropping the ball with the line at his mercy. Samoa grabbed a late consolation try after a good break from Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa to go with an earlier effort from Belgium Tuatagaloa, but the damage had been done in the first half.

Canada captain John Moonlight on the win: "We had a rough first day, probably didn't put the performances in we wanted to, so better to come out and get three wins and leave here happy."

Shield Final – Russia 19-26 WalesSydney Sevens: New Zealand in three-way tie at the top

Luke Morgan scored twice for Wales and then pulled off a great try-saving tackle when the Russians seemed to be on a run-in. Russia did ultimately get their try when Vladislav Lazarenko dived over with time up on the clock – 12-5 at half-time.

Russia twice tied things up in the second half, after German Davydov spun his way through the Welsh defence and then Vitaly Zhivatov raced away, but they ended up disappointed when Ethan Davies got his name on the scoreboard after Luke Morgan had earlier completed his hat-trick.

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment