Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Imperious first half enough in Wellington final for NZ to go top

Updated at 7:34 am on 5 February 2012

The New Zealand rugby sevens side has retained their Wellington title, beating closest rivals Fiji 24-7 in the final to take an outright lead in the World Series after four of nine rounds.

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

The New Zealanders now lead the overall series with 73 points, ahead of Fiji on 70.

England defeated Samoa 21-12 in the third place play-off to collect 17 points for 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.

The series now moves on to Las Vegas where New Zealand will face Samoa and Japan again in their pool as well as trans-Tasman rivals Australia.

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