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All Blacks Sevens win first title in almost two years
By Online Editors
The All Blacks Sevens have tasted success for the first time since March 2016, beating Argentina 38-14 in the cup final at the Cape Town Sevens today.
Tries to Joe Ravouvou (two), Vilimoni Koroi, Tim Mikkelson, Regan Ware and Sione Molia sealed the win for the New Zealanders, while the Argentines could only muster one each at the end of each half to Lautaro Bazan Velez and Luciano Gonzalez.
Earlier, the All Black Sevens stunned the packed Cape Town Stadium by defeating the Blitz Boks of South Africa in their semi final, 19-12. The home side were heavily favoured to make their third consecutive final in Cape Town, which has grown to be one of the most popular tournaments on the Sevens World Series circuit.
The All Blacks Sevens had a shock start to the tournament, getting blanked by the US 0-22. However they bounced back to thrash Spain and Australia in pool play, before winning a tense quarter-final 17-12 over England.
It's a timely return to form for the All Blacks Sevens, who have endured a tough couple of years since their last tournament win in 2016 at the BC Place in Vancouver. The win bodes well for new coach Clark Laidlaw, who has had an impressive start to his tenure - this win follows a final placing last weekend in Dubai.
The World Sevens Series now takes a break for Christmas, with the next tournament kicking off on the 26th of January at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
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Latest Comments
Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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