Rugby sevens: New Zealand win again in Wellington

Frank Halai of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's flying outside backs hold the key to their World Sevens Series aspirations with five rounds remaining.

The Kiwis, who claimed their sixth title in 13 attempts in Wellington tonight with a 24-7 win over Fiji in a wet final, head to the United States during the week for the fifth tournament of the nine-round series.

Both Fiji and New Zealand were level on points in the world series heading in to Wellington, but tonight's victory put New Zealand ahead.

Charles Piuatu, Frank Halai and Hosea Gear were all dominant forces for New Zealand during the weekend and provided a strike force when they had the ball in space.

Halai (six tries) and Gear (four) scored at key times during the tournament for Gordon Tietjens' men and with the players in sevens becoming bigger and faster alongside being freakishly fit, being able to break tackles is a vital skill.

Gear will return to the Highlanders for their Super Rugby campaign after he was only released for this weekend's tournament and finding a suitable replacement for next week's trip to Las Vegas will be important.

Of course the flying All Black can't be replicated, but given Tietjens' ability for spotting talent he might have someone in the back of his mind who can create an impact in the United States when he names his 12-strong squad tomorrow (sunday) or Monday.

Gear was often used off the bench during the two-day event in Wellington, given his conditioning was based around his pre-season with the Highlanders, but he looked elusive every time he touched the ball.

Another player Tietjens will have to replace is back Toby Arnold, who injured his knee in the opening pool game against Scotland and could be out for up to nine months.

Arnold's spot was filled admirably by debutant Mark Jackman during the rest of the weekend and he showed good judgement in defence and is a handy runner with the ball.

There was plenty of hype around Wellington youngster Ardie Savea, but the 18-year-old younger brother of Hurricanes wing Julian Savea rarely featured in the tournament.

New Zealand's road to the final was hardly ideal as they had to come from behind in their quarter and semifinal victories over France (22-7) and England (17-12) respectively.

Fiji on the other hand, took an unconventional route to the cup final after they only qualified second in Pool C after they were upset by Tonga in the group stages.

The perennial powerhouses of the sevens game overcame the impressive South Africa 21-5 in the quarter-finals and dispatched Samoa 28-5 in their final-four encounter.

Fiji, who were playing in their seventh final in Wellington, were always going to find the slippery conditions tough and never got out of first gear.

The Pacific Island nation, who last won the tournament in 2010 when they beat Samoa 19-14, couldn't keep up with the slick Kiwis and the bullocking Halai, who crossed for two tries.

Halfback Tomasi Cama was at his creative best in the playoffs for New Zealand and his clever kicks in general play led to crucial tries on two occassions in the knockout games.

In the minor finals, Scotland beat the Cook Islands 19-17 to claim the shield, while crowd favourites Kenya downed Australia 12-7 in the bowl final.

After showing strong form during the pool rounds, South Africa knocked over Tonga 24-0 in the plate final.

Despite having the fans on their side, Samoa were unable to get past England in the battle for third place and went down 21-12.

New Zealand 24 (Frank Halai 2, DJ Forbes, Tomasi Cama tries; Cama 2 con) Fiji 7 (Waisea Nayacavelu try; Metuisela Talebula con) HT: 24-0