Rugby: NZ retains Games sevens title

MANCHESTER - New Zealand performed three rousing hakas to an adoring full house of 38,000 as they celebrated back to back Commonwealth Games sevens rugby gold medals today.

They beat Fiji 33-15 in an often spiteful final at the City of Manchester Stadium, after trailing 14-15 early in the second half.

New Zealand did without their captain fantastic Eric Rush who didn't start the game after suffering an injury in the semifinal win over Samoa.

Fiji were handicapped early in the second half by having Saisai Fuli sent off for a thuggish late tackle on Brad Fleming that left him on the ground in agony. He was able to walk away though and continue the match.

Fiji still managed to hit the lead with a Waisale Serevi penalty goal with four minutes left, but tries to Malili Muliaina, Bruce Reihana and Roger Randle sealed a false victory margin.

The team were cheered on by a rowdy large Kiwi contingent in all parts of the ground, including discus gold medallist Beatrice Faumuina.

Four members of the team were back from the Kuala Lumpur gold medal-winning side -- Rush, Reihana, Randle and Amasio Valence.

- NZPA

Full coverage:
nzherald.co.nz/manchester2002

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Commonwealth Games info and related links