Kiwis claim HK Sevens crown
Source: Agencies |
March 28, 2011, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
NEW Zealand stormed to its 10th Hong Kong Sevens title yesterday, dedicating the 29-17 win over England to those who died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake.
Frank Halai scored two blistering tries either side of halftime and Tomasi Cama, Tim Mikkelson and Solomon King chipped in with one try apiece.
But it was New Zealand's pounding defense that proved the difference as they kept England at bay.
"I thought the performance we had today was the best we have had all season," said New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens. "Just a lot of heart, some real gutsy defense and it was a game I thought where we might struggle a bit with the pace of their backs. But we defended very well and I am very happy about it."
New Zealand came to Hong Kong hoping to raise spirits at home after the earthquake, which claimed 182 lives. Spectators at Hong Kong Stadium observed a minute's silence for the victims in Christchurch and those who perished in the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on March 11.
The win lifted New Zealand five points clear of England in the Sevens World Series standings, after the pair had come to Hong Kong level.
There was consolation for South Africa in the Plate final where it beat Australia 26-19. South Africa had earlier missed several opportunities to beat Fiji in the Cup quarters, before losing 19-24.
South Africa's Cecil Afrika finished the event with 88 combined points - the most by a player in a single world series event for eight years.
In the Bowl final, Canada overpowered Japan to win 33-12, while the Shield went to Kenya, 17-12 winner over Spain.
The Sevens World Series resumes in Adelaide, Australia, on April 2-3.
Frank Halai scored two blistering tries either side of halftime and Tomasi Cama, Tim Mikkelson and Solomon King chipped in with one try apiece.
But it was New Zealand's pounding defense that proved the difference as they kept England at bay.
"I thought the performance we had today was the best we have had all season," said New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens. "Just a lot of heart, some real gutsy defense and it was a game I thought where we might struggle a bit with the pace of their backs. But we defended very well and I am very happy about it."
New Zealand came to Hong Kong hoping to raise spirits at home after the earthquake, which claimed 182 lives. Spectators at Hong Kong Stadium observed a minute's silence for the victims in Christchurch and those who perished in the Japanese earthquake and tsunami on March 11.
The win lifted New Zealand five points clear of England in the Sevens World Series standings, after the pair had come to Hong Kong level.
There was consolation for South Africa in the Plate final where it beat Australia 26-19. South Africa had earlier missed several opportunities to beat Fiji in the Cup quarters, before losing 19-24.
South Africa's Cecil Afrika finished the event with 88 combined points - the most by a player in a single world series event for eight years.
In the Bowl final, Canada overpowered Japan to win 33-12, while the Shield went to Kenya, 17-12 winner over Spain.
The Sevens World Series resumes in Adelaide, Australia, on April 2-3.
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