Sevens team wins George tournament

The New Zealand Sevens team won the final of the George tournament in South Africa this morning, beating Fiji 33-19.

Coach Gordon Tietjens' side progressed by thrashing Kenya 36-0 in the quarterfinals, and getting past Argentina 28-14 in the semifinals.

The result comes after the Kiwis bowed out at the hands of the Fijians in the semifinals of the opening round in Dubai last week.

Josh Blackie scored twice to see New Zealand to a 33-5 lead with four minutes remaining.

But Kiwi captain Liam Messam was yellow-carded late in the game, which was when the Fijians sneaked in for two late tries.

Sosene Anesi and Josh Blackie scored two tries each while Hayden Reid added one for New Zealand.

Orene Ai'i completed the tally with four conversions.

Gordon Tietjens says after going down to Fiji last week, it is especially satisfying.

There is a three way tie at the top of the points table after two rounds, with New Zealand, England and Fiji all on 32 points.

The IRB Sevens series heads to New Zealand next, with round three in Wellington in early February.