All Blacks back on top of Sevens World Series after victory over South Africa in Wellington

By Gary Anderson

February 8 - Reigning HSBC Sevens World Series champions New Zealand climbed back to the top of the standings after they put on an impressive display in the final of the Wellington Sevens to overcome South Africa 21-0.

After going down to Fiji in their first pool match yesterday, Gordon Tietjens' side saw off France and Spain with ease to set up a quarter-final meeting with Canada.

The All Blacks signalled their intent to wrestle back the initiative in the race for World Series honours as they despatched the Canadians 24-0, before going on to beat defending Wellington Sevens champions England 31-0 in the semi-final at the Westpac Stadium.

That set up a third successive Cup final with the in-form Blitzbokke, who overcame Australia 10-0 in their quarter-final clash, and saw off Fiji by the same score-line in the semi-final.

The South Africans were searching for their third successive win in the decider after clinching the titles in Port Elizabeth and Las Vegas.

The Kiwis, though, were in no mood to lose out on home soil and they flew out of the blocks in the first-half crossing the line three times thanks to a brace from Sherwin Stowers and a try for Tim Mikkelson.

Gillies Kaka kicked the conversions to give the hosts a 21-0 lead at half-time and a solid rearguard action in the second period saw the New Zealanders keep South Africa at bay and clinch their second win of this season's Sevens World Series.

Gillies Kakas accuracy with the boot helped New Zealand regain top spot on the Sevens World Series rankings ©IRB/Martin Seras Lima

Gillies Kakas accuracy with the boot helped New Zealand regain top spot on the Sevens World Series rankings ©IRB

"To bounce back and have no tries scored against us after losing to Fiji was really pleasing," said Tietjens.

"It was a case today of making no mistakes and we coped brilliantly.

"I think we will still be fighting it out with South Africa to the end now."

New Zealand leapfrog South Africa to reclaim top spot on the World Series rankings, while Fiji and England consolidate their third and fourth positions after Ben Ryan saw his side overcome his former charges 14-7 in the third place play-off.

In the Plate final, Canada looked like they were going to continue their impressive form this season as they raced into a 10-0 lead against the Australians thanks to two Sean Duke trys but the Australians powered back in the second half through Con Foley and captain Ed Jenkins before a late Cameron Clark conversion won it 12-10 for the men in green and gold.

"I'm over the moon," said Jenkins

"To be down 10-0 against such a good side is really pleasing.

"It's a tough stadium and we don't get much support here.

"Possession and territory is key now and not being turned over the whole time."