New Zealand retain Wellington title to lead HSBC Sevens World Series

New Zealand have beaten closest rivals Fiji 24-7 to win the 2012 Hertz Sevens, retain their Wellington title and take an outright lead in the HSBC Sevens World Series after four of nine rounds.

The reigning Series champions beat England 17-12 in sudden death extra time to reach the final, and then produced an imperious first half display in front of a partisan home crowd, scoring four unanswered tries in the first 10 minutes through Frank Halai (2), Tomasi Cama and captain DJ Forbes, to lead 24-0.

The New Zealanders now lead the overall Series with 73, ahead of Fiji on 70. England defeated Samoa 21-12 in the third place play-off to collect 17 Series points, which puts them on 64 overall, three ahead of South Africa in fourth.

South Africa beat Tonga to claim the Plate. Kenya won the Bowl with their second victory of the weekend against Australia. Scotland overcame the Cook Islands to win the Shield.

USA Sevens pool draw, Round 5

Before the Hertz Sevens Cup final in Wellington the pool draw was made for the fifth and upcoming round of the World Series, the USA Sevens in Las Vegas on 10-12 February.

For more information, contact: seb.lauzier@irb.com

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