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The All Blacks Sevens side has claimed a second consecutive Rugby World Cup Sevens title and ensured a New Zealand clean sweep after beating England 33-12 in the final at San Francisco’s AT&T Park.
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In a repeat of the 2013 World Cup final, the All Blacks Sevens got off to a perfect start with Sione Molia scoring in the opening minute. Molia nabbed his double before half time, with the All Blacks Sevens leading 14-7 at the break.
The All Blacks sealed victory in the second half through Joe Ravouvou and Akuila Rokolisoa to take a 26-12 lead. Trael Joass scored the final try of the competition after the final siren.
Ravouvou was awarded the UL Mark of Excellence for his six-try effort over the weekend, while co-captain Scott Curry was named Player of the Final.
FT: @AllBlacks are the first team to win three #RWC7s by beating England 33-12 pic.twitter.com/PM6dfqTJC2
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) July 23, 2018
Michael John Ellery and Ruaridh McConnochie were the try scorers for England.
With the victory New Zealand become the first side to win three World Cup Sevens titles, having won the 2001 and 2013 iterations of the tournament.
New Zealand beat Fiji 22-17 in their semi-final to advance after toppling France and Russia in earlier rounds.
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England advanced to the final after seeing of the host nation United States 24-19 after extra time in their quarter-final and beating South Africa 29-7 in the semi-final.
The New Zealand men join the women’s side in winning the tournament back-to-back after the Black Ferns Sevens claimed their second successive title with a resounding 29-0 victory over France in their own final on Saturday.
Incredible side step from Michaela Blyde in the Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens Final ?#RWC7s pic.twitter.com/HHuF8720Xo
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) July 22, 2018
The Black Ferns had captain Sarah Goss, Portia Woodman and Michaela Blyde all named in the tournament team.
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew remarked on a incredible weekend in San Francisco.
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“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I congratulate the All Blacks Sevens on a fantastic tournament.
“Becoming the first men’s team to defend the World Cup crown is a brilliant result and special to do so just a day after our Black Ferns Sevens did the same thing.
“We have seen how much this team has grown since centralising in Mount Maunganui late last year; winning two pinnacle events in the space of four months is credit to the hard work everyone in this team is putting in,” said Tew.
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