Kiwis Seven Up as They Outshine Australia at Gold Coast

Richard Wanekeya,

Correspondent (Sport)

 

Defending champions New Zealand rammed in from behind to claim the HSBC Sevens World Series 2013/14 opener at the Gold Coast in Robina after beating hosts Australia 40-19 in the final. Trailing 12-0, it looked as though New Zealand was set for the third successive Main Cup final defeat at Skilled Park, but tries from debutant Ambrose Curtis, Tomasi Cama, David Raikuna, Waisake Naholo and Joe Webber assured a win for the Kiwis.

A weakened Australian outfit started the game clinically when they sneaked away with a 12-0 lead following tries from Skipper and player of the tournament, Ed Jenkins and James Stannard only for the New Zealanders to storm back with a 14-12 lead at half-time, before snatching away the match in the second half with four tries to ice the much deserved victory.

Australian forward Sean McMahon, who impressed in the tournament, noted that the final with New Zealand was a bridge too far for them to cross successfully. “New Zealand were just too good in the end, so we will give it another shot, hopefully sometime during the year.”

The host’s lax results in the final contest have been linked to injuries and fatigue after the home side was forced to rely on reserves after key backs Shannon Walker and Nick Malouf were ruled out due to injuries and the gruesome encounter with African heavy weights South Africa earlier on in the semi-finals. In the encounter against the Boks, the hosts had survived two extra time periods to qualify for the cup decider when they prevailed 24-19 against South Africa in their semi-final.

England, who pushed New Zealand before falling 14-5 in the semi-finals, finished third after a comfortable and record win over South Africa in the third-fourth place playoff.

Fiji beat Kenya in plate final
Defenseless Kenya suffered a 36-0 loss as Fiji claimed the Plate final emphatically. Benito Masilevu led the rout with two tries; Ilai Tinai added a try and two conversions while Samisoni Viriviri, Sakiusa Nadruku and Waisea Nacuqu grabbed a try each as Vuniani Vucago Bainitabua converted once.

France claim dramatic Bowl Final in extra time against Canada
France claimed the Bowl Final in a dramatic encounter when Julien Saubade scored in sudden death extra time to ensure the win for the second time in two matches.

Americans triumph Portuguese in Shield
Elsewhere, the USA outclassed Portugal to emerge victors of the Shield Final 22-0. Tries from Stephen Tomasin, Zack Test, Brett Thompson and Folau Niua ensured that the Americans took home the win, which was the maiden silverware for Matt Hawkins’ as head coach.

The next stop in the World Series is the Dubai Sevens between 29-30 November 2013.

Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons