New Zealand hold off England in the Edinburgh Sevens Final

New Zealand held on in the face of a spirited England fightback in Scotland yesterday, to defend their Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens title 24-14, and finish their IRB Sevens World Series defence on a high.

In a supremely physical match the kiwis went out to a commanding 19-0 lead through Solomon King, David Smith and Chad Tuoro but England hit back just before the break through giant wing

Uche Oduoza

to trail 19-7 and enjoyed much of the possession in the second half.

Ollie Phillips slipped a tackle to bring the score back to 19-14 but the kiwis’ renowned fitness, conditioning and peerless defence saw them home, captain DJ Forbes an inspiration up front and the likes of Kendrick Lynn and David Smith proving that coach Gordon Tietjens has lost none of his knack for unearthing new talent.

With the clock winding down, Nigel Hunt put the game beyond doubt for New Zealand, who have now won eight of the nine IRB Sevens World Series titles under coach Gordon Tietjens.

Note:

With thanks to the IRB Sevens website

Time:

05:30