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New Zealand morphed from ill-disciplined stumblers to Wellington sevens survivors on a topsy-turvy first day of the International Rugby Board series tournament today.
After opening with an horrendous 28-17 loss to Wales, the tournament hosts turned their fortunes around with 43-7 thumping of Niue and a thrilling 26-19 defeat of Australia - the last match of the night on which the tournament fate of both teams rested.
New Zealand led 21-0 but had to withstand a fightback to eliminate the unlucky Australians and finish ahead of second-placed Wales on points differential in pool B. All three sides had two wins.
It sets up a mouth-watering quarterfinal tomorrow against series leaders South Africa, who were stunned 22-17 in the pe nsultimate game by Kenya, with the African crowd favourites at Westpac Stadium topping pool A.
The only way for New Zealand to avoid South Africans would have been to beat Australia by less than three points, which would have seen Wales top the pool and New Zealand place second.
It was not a scenario the hosts dared risk, battling hard to hold off their trans-Tasman rivals, who burst back in to contention through two quick tries either side of halftime by Luke Morahan.
With his side up 21-19, Waikato winger Tim Mikkelson was the home hero, racing 50m down the touchline with two minutes remaining to give New Zealand breathing space.
Earlier, tries to backs Tomasi Cama, Zar Lawrence and Nafi Tuitavake appeared to have New Zealand on course for a comfortable win.
The elation of the colourful crowd at fulltime was a far cry from the silence that followed New Zealand's shock opening performance against Wales, marred by the early sending off of experienced halfback Cama.
Cama missed the Niue game because of a one-match suspension handed down by an IRB judiciary hearing, an outcome that appeared fortunate given the New Zealand playmaker threw a blatant punch at Rhodri McA tee following a scuffle in the second minute.
Argentina referee Marcello Pilara also sinbinned New Zealand captain DJ Forbes late in the first half, leaving his team with just five on the field.
A sharp Welsh side took full advantage, dominating possession and running in four unanswered tries to lead 28-5 before late tries to Viliame Waqaseduadua and Forbes reduced the margin.
It was New Zealand's first loss to Wales in 16 meetings since 2001.
New Zealand then coasted against Niue, scoring seven tries to one, with the highlight a hattrick inside the first five minutes to tournament debutant Save Tokula, the Waikato winger showing power and evasion when given space close to the line.
Another dramatic, late match saw Fiji beat Samoa 19-5 in fierce encounter where whoever won w ould top pool D on points differential while the losers would fail to qualify.
For Fiji it was a comeback of similar proportions to New Zealand, having been toppled in their opening match by the United States 15-10.
The young Fijian outfit who recently lost the services of coach and Fijian sevens great Waisale Serevi following a dispute with his union, instantly bounced back to thrash the Co ok Islands 55-0 before holding their nerve in the tense Samoan clash.
It was a disastrous outcome for 2007 Wellington champions Samoa, who finished third on points differential behind a US side who surprised with their quality.
Argentina beat England 13-5 in the final and decisive game of pool C and will face the United States first up tomorrow while the English must play Fiji in their quarter.
No side managed three wins from three today.
South Africa were on track to do so but were stunned by a Kenyan side who trailed 5-17 early in the second half but raced in for three late tries.
Before then South Africa had dominated pool A with their speed, accounting for Scotland 24-0 and Tonga 22-5.
South African pace merchants such as Ryno Benjamin, Renfred Dazel and Gio Aplon will be hard for the New Zealanders to counter tomorrow, along with the playmaking skills of Mzwandile Stick.
- NZPA
