Seven's wonders of the world

New Zealand celebrates their final win over Argentina last night. Picture / Fotopress

Too many dances and not enough fliers was the big worry leading into the Wellington sevens. For sure Orene Ai'i, Liam Messam and Amasio Valence were going to create the holes, but who was going to run into them?

Well, there was big boy Roy Kinikinilau, Tamati Ellison and Ai'i himself.

In fact, every player in Gordon Tietjens' team demonstrated the ability to finish expertly and it was that strike power across the board that proved instrumental to helping New Zealand to a 31-7 win and its third consecutive Wellington Sevens title.

They couldn't score from long range but they didn't need to, such was their ability to work the ball at their leisure.

For much of yesterday they were sadistic, toying with helpless mice. First it was Samoa in the quarterfinal then South Africa. Both put up some resistance but neither though could sustain it.

Whenever they got close Ai'i put on his dancing shoes to magic his way through a non-existent hole or Kinikinilau would take a more direct route.

There was always a runner on hand to take the offload. They were under particular pressure in the semi, not from South Africa, but from the need to live up to the crowd's expectation.

The biggest cheer of the day came shortly before the teams emerged when a shapely female streaker got as far as the 22 before her progress was abruptly halted by a security guard who pulled off a superb low, scything tackle.

Kinikinilau kept the crowd interested when he did his best Jonah Lomu impression, cruising down the left flank all the way to the tryline with bodies on his back.

By the time Argentina dragged their weary bones out for the final, there was never any doubt about the outcome. Argentina had already played their final in the previous round when they snatched a last-mintue try to beat Fiji in an epic.

There was also the added incentive for New Zealand that Argentina had made a nuisance of themselves last year by beating them twice.

But a third victory was never on the cards. Visibly pumped, New Zealand took to their work with a passion their 15-a-side brothers would do well to match.

Valence carved his way through a tiring defence, dummying twice before letting the supporting Ai'i enjoy the glory.

Argentina never recovered but don't cry for them.

Santiago Gomez Cora was sent off for biting. A judicial hearing took place late last night.

New Zealand was also the best defensive side in the tournament.

A thundering hit by Ellison early in the second half of the final demonstrated the aggression.

The integrity of their line giving New Zealand as much pride as the ability to break their opponents.

It was all too easy in the end, New Zealand running out 31-7 winners allowing them to take the outright lead in the overall series.

What is becoming of much more interest is the thorny question of Tietjens. He's proven himself a coach of ability and wants to try his hand again at 15s.

But NPC and Super 12 sides continue to shortlist him but shy away at the last minute.

The lure of an overseas contract could prove too much unless he gets appreciation from his homeland.

It wasn't as if the boozed up capacity crowd needed an excuse to party, but the home win at least provided legitimacy for their antics.