7 May 2012

Sport: NZ win Glasgow Sevens, Fiji third, Samoa claim Plate

10:26 am on 7 May 2012

New Zealand has taken a big step towards retaining its world series crown with victory in the Glasgow Sevens.

They beat England 29-14 in the Cup final to extend their lead over nearest rivals Fiji to 11 points.

Fiji beat Australia 31-17 in the third place playoff, after losing to England in the Cup Semis.

Samoa were convincing 31-12 winners over Wales in the Plate final, which followed an even more clinical 47-0 demolition of South Africa in the Plate Semis.

Samoan coach Faamoni Lalomilo says he was pleased with how his players responded in his first tournament in charge.

"I thank to the boys for the great effort they made today - start from the semi final when I changed the team. As you know that's the game plan we want - we want to speed it up. That's why we put our new young fellahs inside, and the speedster inside, to work on our plan as fast paced."