Rugby sevens: NZ victorious in Hong Kong

The New Zealand sevens team celebrate winning the Hong Kong sevens. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand claimed the Hong Kong rugby sevens title and with it the outright lead in the world series after beating England 29-17 in the final this morning (NZT).

Frank Halai, who was hampered by an ankle injury throughout the tournament, ignored the pain to score two tries as New Zealand ran in five tries to three to claim the 30 points on offer for winning the Hong Kong title.

They now have 110 points in the world series, five points ahead of England.

Coach Gordon Tietjens said the team had used the Christchurch earthquake as motivation at the tournament.

"It was certainly in the back of our minds. They've gone through some really tough times so it is great that whatever we've done here tonight might brighten things in Christchurch," he said.

Stand-in skipper Lote Raikabula paid tribute to the efforts of his young players, especially after captain DJ Forbes was ruled out of the final with a hamstring injury.

"I'm so, so proud of our young boys, especially after losing DJ. There was so much to play for so this is for the people back home, for Christchurch," he said.

England coach Ben Ryan said they thought they had the measure of New Zealand but the final came down to crucial turnovers.

"New Zealand were better than us. They turned us over on some really key moments and made the most of it."

Forbes' replacement in the starting lineup, Solomon King opened the scoring after quick thinking from Tim Mikkelson put him into space out wide.

Mikkelson was back in the action soon after to make a try-saving tackle on Greg Barden to hold him up over the line but from the ensuing scrum Mat Turner evaded Bryce Heem to score in the corner.

With the greasy surface posing problems with players' footing, New Zealand playmaker Tomasi Cama broke out from deep in their own territory to release Halai, who started the final in place of Declan O'Donnell, to cross under the posts and give Tietjens' side a 12-5 lead at the break.

After England's Dan Norton threatened to score shortly after the restart, Halai struck back to run almost the length of the field to open up a 12-point lead.

More Cama brilliance exposed England on the blindside and the Manawatu representative scored to further extend the lead before Barden narrowed the deficit.

But any thoughts of a stirring comeback were scotched by the impressive Mikkelson who burst through to ensure New Zealand would claim the title. A late Norton try was mere consolation for England who will look to turn the tables on New Zealand in Adelaide this weekend.

Earlier, New Zealand withstood a fightback by Fiji to win their semifinal 19-14. Mikkelson had scored two tries and stand-in skipper Lote Raikabula another to lead 19-0 before Fiji came roaring back.

England beat Samoa by the same margin to reach the final.

New Zealand 29 (Frank Halai 2, Solomon King, Tomasi Cama, Tim Mikkelson tries; Cama con, Buxton Popoali'i con) England 17 (Mat Turner, Greg Barden, Dan Norton tries; Ben Gollings con). Halftime: 12-5.

- NZPA