NZ and England through to sevens final

8.00pm

An injury-time try earned New Zealand a place in tonight's Wellington sevens rugby final against England following a dramatic semifinal win over Fiji.

While the hosts triumphed 24-22 over Fiji, England had a marginally more comfortable ride to the final, downing Australia 21-15.

Tafai Ioasa crossed in the corner in injury time to send the 32,000-strong crowd in raptures and keep alive New Zealand's hopes of a home tournament victory for the first time in four attempts.

Those hopes appeared to be dashed midway through the second half when Fiji went ahead 22-19, scoring two tries in two minutes while New Zealand star Roy Kinikinilau was in the sinbin for a shoulder charge. However, New Zealand gained possession and patiently created the winning score after the seven minutes of second-half time had elapsed.

Kinikinilau used his considerable speed and power to score twice for New Zealand. Anthony Tuitavake also scored a fine individual try while Amasio Valence's two conversions made the difference compared to Fiji's one.

Sailosi Naiteqe crossed twice for Fiji while the other tries went to Raymond Rodan and speedy captain Sireli Bobo.

England and Australia each scored three tries but Ben Gollings had a perfect conversion record for the winners while Australia failed to convert any.

Australia led 10-7 at halftime but Gollings and Richard Haughton put the pacy English in front and they defended well for the remainder of the half.

First half tryscorer Magnus Lund suffered a serious head wound and was doubtful to be fit for the final.

Australia's tryscorers were Brock James, Tom Carter and Peter Hewat.

England will seek a second consecutive victory in the International Rugby Board world series after winning last week in Brisbane. There, they knocked New Zealand out in the semifinals.

- NZPA