All Blacks Sevens claim Rugby World Cup Sevens crown

Jul 23 • General News, Sevens Rugby • 1600 Views • Comments Off on All Blacks Sevens claim Rugby World Cup Sevens crown

The All Blacks Sevens have completed a perfect weekend in San Francisco, defending their Rugby World Cup Sevens title with a 33-12 Final win over England.

They become the first men’s team to win back to back World Cup Sevens titles, just 24 hours after the Black Ferns Sevens recorded the same feat.

In advancing to the final, the All Blacks Sevens beat Russia on Day One 29-5 and came from behind to beat France 12-7 in the quarter finals.

A semi final against the in-form Fiji brought AT&T Park alive and a strong defensive performance from the All Blacks Sevens stifled the Fijian attack. A brace of tries from Joe Ravouvou helped to secured the 22-17 victory.

A repeat of the 2013 World Cup final was in store and the All Blacks Sevens got off to a perfect start with Sione Molia scoring in the opening minute. Molia nabbed his double before half time, with the All Blacks Sevens leading 14-7 at the break.

Three second half tries to Joe Ravouvou, Akuila Rokolisoa and Trael Joass guided the All Blacks Sevens to the 33-12 victory.

Joe Ravouvou finished the tournament as top try scorer and received the UL Mark of Excellence award as the tournament MVP. Co-captain Scott Curry and Coach Clark Laidlaw were also recognised as Player of the Final and Coach of the Tournament respectively.

New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew remarked on a incredible weekend in San Francisco.

“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I congratulate the All Blacks Sevens on a fantastic tournament.

“Becoming the first men’s team to defend the World Cup crown is a brilliant result and special to do so just a day after our Black Ferns Sevens did the same thing.

“We have seen how much this team has grown since centralising in Mount Maunganui late last year; winning two pinnacle events in the space of four months is credit to the hard work everyone in this team is putting in,” said Tew.

Semi Final
All Black Sevens 22 (Joe Ravouvou 2, Dylan Collier, Regan Ware tries, Kurt Baker con)
Fiji 17 (Amenoni Nasilasila, Alasio Naduva, Semi Radradra tries, Amenoni Nasilasila con)

Final
All Blacks Sevens 33 (Sione Molia 2, Joe Ravouvou, Akuila Rokolisoa, Trael Joass tries, Kurt Baker 3 con)
England 12 (Mike Ellery, Ruaridh McConnochie tries, Tom Mitchell con)