|
Kiwis beat SA in Sevens final
30/03/2008 13:40 - (SA)
Hong Kong - Hot favourites New Zealand beat South Africa 26-12 on Sunday to claim their first Hong Kong Sevens success since 2001 and all but seal an eighth world title in nine years.
New Zealand dominated possession in the opening moments, with Lote Raikabula going over for the first try just after the minute mark, which was converted.
Minutes later, Raikabula broke through the South African defence, feeding Steven Yates, who scored. The successful conversion gave New Zealand a 14-0 lead.
New Zealand were dominant but lost the ball in the middle of the pitch, allowing Mzwandile Stick to race clear to put South Africa on the scoreboard. They successfully added the two points for the conversion.
South Africa defended doggedly under sustained New Zealand pressure but on the stroke of half-time Raikabula went over for his second try and a successful conversion made it 21-7.
After the break New Zealand were quickly on the attack again and Zar Lawrence scored a try near the corner within two minutes, further stretching the lead.
South Africa struggled to breach the tight Kiwi defence and New Zealand continued to threaten but although the onus was on South Africa to attack, they could not break through until after the hooter, with Fabian Juries crossing the line to pull the score back to 26-12.
|
Rugby
