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.

The New Zealand side fought hard against Fiji as both great rugby sevens nations tried getting the better of the other. They lost the second half lead to a persistent Fiji side, who proudly ended New Zealand’s dream of winning the sevens title on home soil. The World Sevens Series was hosted outside Wellington for the first time this term as Hamilton won the hosting rights.

There was a lot of energy in the stadium with Fiji defeating South Africa 24-17 in the final. Fiji, who narrowly fought off Samoa in the quarters, did a good revenge against South Africa for their loss in last year’s final in Wellington. The Aussies won the playoff 8-7 to rub salt on the injury for New Zealand.