RUGBY SEVENS: ALL BLACKS FINISH SURPRISING FOURTH
New Zealand were disappointing as they finished fourth in the Hamilton series. The Clark Laidlaw led All Blacks stated very well, winning three games on day one. However, they could not maintain consistency as they failed to convert their opportunities. They lost 14-12 to Fiji, who went on to win the series, in the semi final. The NZ team also lost the third place playoff against Australia after a last play penalty. The inaugural sevens tournament had its teething issues as fans waited for longer than usual for their drinks. The fans were also left frustrated due to a meltdown of the electronic bracelet payment system on day one. The off the field issues were accompanied by the NZ side on the pitch troubles. Aside these, the Hamilton Sevens was a very decent one for an inaugural event. They would have to maintain the tempo for many more years though.