All Blacks: Sevens all sweet for Rio

Sherwin Stowers of New Zealand is tackled by Scott Riddell and Colin Gregor of Scotland during the Emirates Airlines Rugby 7s match between Scotland and New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks Sevens are heading to the Rio Olympics next year.

New Zealand have qualified by winning their Cup quarter-final at the Glasgow sevens, 17-7 over hosts Scotland, though they ultimately went down to Fiji 24-17 in the final.

"The World Series was important but qualification for the Olympics was the goal," said New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens. "We knew it wasn't going to be easy to finish in that top four so to know we're there is really pleasing and you can start seeing yourself going to Rio now."

New Zealand emerged top of a tough Pool B on day one, edging Kenya, Samoa and South Africa and watching on as Fiji and South Africa qualified for Rio.

After doing the business over Scotland, which secured their Olympic berth, New Zealand had to fight hard to subdue England 5-0 in slippery conditions.

A depleted NZ squad, with just nine fully fit, took the field against Fiji aiming to clinch their Cup win. This time they did not get the rub of the green, despite two nice first-half tries via Stowers and Sam Dickson.

The Fijians stormed back from 5-12 through a brace to Apisai Domolailai, and Scott Curry was binned.

In the final world series round this weekend, NZ are with Australia, Wales and Japan in Pool B. England are also in pole position - fourth by 16 points - to qualify for Rio ahead of Australia.