Golden run comes to ruthless end

New Zealand's hopes of retaining their world sevens title were dealt to by Fiji at the Hong Kong sevens last night.

The Fijians avenged the disappointment of their Commonwealth Games bronze medal by thumping New Zealand in the semifinal 35-10, running in four tries in the opening five minutes.

It was a sharp jolt back to earth for the Melbourne Games gold medallists who have struggled from the outset of this season's IRB tournament. New Zealand got to the last four after an encouraging 35-7 win over Australia but were outpaced and outplayed by the Waisale Serevi-inspired Fijians. They showed their usual brilliance and powerful running, punished New Zealand for errors and led 28-0 at halftime.

Though New Zealand came back with a try each by captain Tafai Ioasa and Nigel Hunt, the islanders sealed their victory with a fifth converted try just before the final hooter.

New Zealand overthrew in a lineout and Mosese Volavola took the ball at the back and scored.

The Fijians won their own kick-off then stole possession in a tackle for their second try by Filimoni Bolavucu and scored the third, by Volavola, after New Zealand conceded another kick-off. Fiji player-coach Serevi, who converted all his team's tries, created their fourth try with a series of side-steps that opened the way for Epeli Dranivesi.

The New Zealanders, particularly Wellington's Cory Jane, worked hard for their two tries but never looked like threatening the Fijians' lead.

While New Zealand breezed through their opening two pool games, they struggled before overcoming Japan 24-19 to win their pool. New Zealand looked a shadow of the side that won the Games gold medal for the third time just over two weeks ago.

Coach Gordon Tietjens had brought on a number of inexperienced players to replace those who had gone back to their Super 14 sides after the Games. AP