[(IRB.COM) Sunday 30 March 2008] ĄG
Steven Yates was again on the scoresheet in the final taking his tally to five on day three
The New Zealand Sevens juggernaut continued on its way as Gordon Tietjens' side captured a first Hong Kong Sevens title since 2001 to extend its record winning streak to 42 matches and seven consecutive Series titles.
LATEST FINAL DAY RESULTS
New Zealand's victory against South Africa in the final of the Cathay Pacific/ Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens gave them another 30 points for the series, extending their lead over closest rivals South Africa to 38 points and all but close out their Series defence.
They also take home the generous $100,000 prize purse allocated to the Hong Kong winners.
The kiwis got off to the best possible start, Lote Raikabula crossing early on before setting Steven Yates for another try, both of which were converted by Tomasi Cama.
Mzandile Stick pulled one back for the Boks, who have been by far the closest challengers to New Zealand over the last two series events, but more pressure was to follow from the men in black and a second Raikabula score made it 21-7 at the break.
Zar Lawrence crossed in the second half to extend the lead and although the Boks fought back New Zealand's defensive cordon was inpenetrable until Fabian Juries late try brought more respectablity to the scoreline, which ended 26-12.
South Africa will take consolation from making their first ever Hong Kong Cup final, and in consolidating their second place in the series standings, but New Zealand's utter dominance this season continues unchecked.
France win Plate thriller
France won their first silverware of the season, beating the Pumas of Argentina 17-14 after a minute of sudden death extra time.
France got off to a flying start with first half tries from Vincent Roux and Simon Sarthou, while Argentina responded through Gonzalo Camacho to leave the match delicately balanced 14-7 at the interval. The second half was a tense affair, but it was Argentina who scored the only try of the half through Gabriel Ascarte to level the scores and take the match into extra time sudden death. -END-
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