12 Dec 2010

Gordon Tietjens' men retain George title

5:54 pm on 12 December 2010

Defending champions New Zealand have retained their George rugby sevens title, beating England 22-19 in the final in South Africa.

The English led 14-5 at half-time but tries to captain DJ Forbes and Tim Mikkleson had New Zealand in front briefly, before a length of the field try to England's Mat Turner levelled the scores at 19-19.

Then in overtime a penalty was awarded to New Zealand and Tomasi Cama slotted the three points for the victory.

It was just as well he did, according to coach Gordon Tietjens, as his side was down to six men with a late yellow card to Bryce Heem.

New Zealand qualified for the final with a last-minute try to squeak past Fiji by 26 points to 19, after thrashing Argentina 26-0 in the quarter-finals.

England won the opening Dubai leg of the series after seeing off New Zealand in the semi-finals and beat Samoa 22-12 to book the rematch.

Hosts South Africa beat Argentina 10-5 to win the plate while Scotland thrashed Russia 24-0 to win the bowl.

The next leg of the series will be in Wellington on Waitangi weekend, February the 4th and 5th.