6 Dec 2015

Double Sevens delight for US over NZ

3:49 pm on 6 December 2015

The New Zealand men's sevens team have been beaten by the United States for the second time in two days at the opening leg of the World Series in Dubai.

The US won the third place playoff over a severely depleted All Blacks Sevens side, the Americans winning 31-12.

Injuries played havoc with the New Zealanders, with coach Sir Gordon Tietjens calling it his worst injury toll ever, as they finished the playoff game with five men left on the field.

Captain Scott Curry will be sidelined for three or four months with a shoulder injury, and Sir Gordon said they have just five of their 14-man squad currently available for the next tournament.

"I've never been in a tournament (that's) been hit by so many horrendous injuries," he said. "I mean, I've finished the tournament with five fit players, it's incredible."

The coach will have to call for reinforcements after losing more than half his squad to injury in Dubai.

"I've actually got five that are going home back to New Zealand and two that could possibly make next weekend at Cape Town."

New Zealand were beaten 19-5 by Fiji in the semi-finals, after edging Samoa 24-21 in the quarter-finals.

On Saturday, America stunned New Zealand 14-12 in their final pool game to claim their first-ever win over the All Blacks Sevens.

Fiji carry on winning ways in Dubai

Defending World Series champions Fiji beat England 28-17 in the final to claim their second Dubai title.

Fiji came from 7-0 behind, scoring 28 unanswered points before England fought their way back to a respectable scoreline.

Tom Bowen had given Simon Amor's side an early lead but Fiji turned on the style scoring four unanswered tries to give them only their second-ever Dubai title, and first since 2013, despite a late comeback from the 2010 and 2011 Dubai champions England.

"It is an amazing feeling when you get to win a tournament, especially in Dubai in front of so many fans," Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau said.

"There's a feeling of relief in the team. The game of sevens is getting harder. There are no easy games ahead and we are grateful to have won here."

The win puts Fiji on top of the series standings with 22 points, ahead of England (19), USA (17) and New Zealand (15).

South Africa won the Plate, France took the Bowl and the Shield went to Canada.

- RNZ