Kiwis win again at the death at the Sydney Sevens
The Kiwis again won at the death to claim their second victory in two weeks to regain their status as one of the best sevens exponents in the world, which was missing in the first two tournaments in the World Sevens Series.
The Australians picked up from where they left off in the semis as their rookie winger Henry Hutchison scored first but the Kiwis replied back with their own rookie Reiko Ioane to level the scores 7-7 after a good break from big brother Akira Ioane.
Sonny Bill Williams was sent to the bin for a high tackle on Allan Fa’alavau and the rookie winger Hutchinson crossed over for his second but Kurt Baker scored for the Kiwis at the halftime hooter to level the scores 12-12 all.
Sam Myers scored after halftime after a long pass from Lewis Holland who has really stood tall for the Aussies this weekend. The try was unconverted. Tim Mikkelson quickly replied with a try after running the tram-line to level the scores 17-17 all.
It was a 90 metre run from Greg Jeloudev after a big burst through tackles and offload from under his posts from Cam Clark who earlier pulled in a try saving tackle on Ardie Savea. Reiko Ioane crossed for his second with a minute to go, which was unconverted. 24-22 to the Aussies.
With time up on the clock a scrum was awarded to the Kiwis, who won at the death in Wellington, and the Aussies were penalised and like last week Reiko Ioane pulled another one out of the bag to give the Kiwis their second victory in two weeks with a 27-24 full-time score.
Fiji rips South Africa to win 3/4th play-off
The Fijians bounced back from their 14-12 loss to New Zealand in the semifinals to win the third place play-off against the series leaders South Africa who were playing without stalwarts Kwagga Smith and Philip Snyman.
The Blitzbokke were outclassed by the Fijians who really wanted to get one back on South Africa after they humiliated them last week. Skipper Osea Kolinisau scored a brace with Jerry Tuwai and Savenaca Rawaca grabbing one a piece to shut the Blitzboks out.
On the flip side the Fijians really need to work hard on the breakdown, their defence and most of all their discipline.
Pumas win Plate Final
The Plate final was a one sided affair as the Los Pumas Sevens thrashed Kenya 24-0. Kenya who came from a 21-0 deficit to win against the Americans 24-21 in the semifinals couldn’t recover fast enough as the South Americans ran riot over them. The Pumas on the other hand accounted for the English in the other plate semi.
Hiriyama double wins Bowl Final for the Canadians
The Canadians scored two tries to lead at halftime 12-0. Another try to Nathan Hirayama after halftime extended their lead to 17-0 but the Samoans replied straight later through Belgium Tuatagaloa converted 17-7. The Samoans scored again but wasn’t enough as the Canadians held on for a 17-12 victory.
Bowl Semi final, Samoa defeated Portugal 14-10 while the Canadians accounted for the Scots 35-12.
Iestyn Harris wins Shield Final for the Scarlets
The Welsh Scarlets had to fought hard to put away the Russians in the Shield final, two quick tries to the Welsh from Luke Morgan who picked up his 50th Series try gave Scarlets an early lead, the Russians however replied right at halftime for 12-5 lead to the Welsh at halftime.
A try to German Davydof straight after halftime brought them closer but Luke Morgan picked up his hatrick to retain their seven point lead but Russian replied straight after to bring the scores level but Iestyn Harris scored the winner for the Welsh at the hooter for a 24-19 full time score.
The Russians will take heart from their performance in Sydney as they continue to make in roads.
Earlier in the Shield semi finals Russia defeated Japan 24-17 while the Welsh defeated the struggling French 22-5.
Special Awards:
HSBC Player of the Final – Akira Ioane
DHL Impact Player of The Tournament – Reiko Ioane
Sydney Sevens Dream Team: Tim Mikkelson (NZL), Akira Ioane (NZL), Ed Jenkins (AUST), Cheslin Kolbe (RSA), Lewis Holland (AUS), Seabelo Senatla (RSA), Reiko Ioane (NZL).
World Sevens Series Table
Fiji -69 points
South Africa – 69
New Zealand – 69
Australia – 54
Argentina – 54
England – 51
USA – 49
Kenya – 42
France – 29
Samoa – 28
Scotland – 27
Canada – 21
Wales – 14
Japan – 8
Portugal – 8
Russia – 7
With all top three sides in the Series tied at the top, the competition will be more exciting then ever as the series heads to Las Vegas and Vancouver. New Zealand will be without Akira Ioane and possibly Ardie Savea and Sonny Bill Williams and how they fair after this would be interesting.
The inaugural Sydney Sevens has been a success and will only grow stronger, the competition was epic, the atmosphere electrifying and I can’t wait for what the next leg has to offer as the journey to Rio continues.
Follow all the action of World Sevens Series here on Last Word On Sports with Scott Hornell and Jovilisi Waqa.
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