Rugby Sevens: NZ bow out in semis

A youthful New Zealand couldn't halt England's charge to victory in Dubai, bowing out in the semifinals of the International Rugby Board sevens tournament overnight (NZT).

New Zealand lost a tight semi 19-14 against an impressive English side who went on to beat defending series champions Samoa 29-21 in the final.

Half of coach Gordon Tietjens' 12-man squad in Dubai were making their international debuts and they were effectively shut out for large periods by England, who feature eight players now on central contracts with their Rugby Football Union.

Nevertheless, Tietjens will be happy to have bedded in a large chunk of players at this level, with the likes of Declan O'Donnell, Frank Halai and Bryce Heem having impressed over the two days.

Several of them shone in the 35-7 quarterfinal thrashing of Wales last night but it was sevens veteran Lote Raikabula who opened the scoring against the English.

Prodigious English halfback Ben Gollings levelled the score 7-7 at halftime before England took control courtesy of two tries to Oliver Lindsay-Hague.

New Zealand struck back through a fine solo try to Tim Mikkelson but they couldn't penetrate a tight English defence with their final possession, meaning there was no repeat of last year's Dubai triumph.

Samoa, who beat Fiji 24-21 in the other semifinal, led 14-5 in the final but couldn't withstand a strong England surge after the break, with the speedy Lindsay-Hague again snaring a double.

The second leg of the series will be played in George, South Africa this weekend.

- NZPA