New Zealand beat England 33-12 in the final in San Francisco to claim back-to-back Sevens World Cup titles.
In a repeat of the 2013 final, the result was the same as New Zealand outscored England five tries to two to become the first team to win consecutive Sevens World Cups.
It was a closely fought affair in the first half as England trailed 14-7 at the end of it. But New Zealand blew them off the park with a clinical display in the second half.
When Sione Molia scored an early brace for the Kiwis, England looked in a spot of bother. But on the stroke of half-time, Mike Ellery pulled a try back to cut the deficit to seven.
New Zealand, though, were all class after the restart. Tries by Joe Ravouvou and Akuila Rokolisoa were sandwiched by Ruaridh McConnochie’s effort for England. But McConnochie’s try only served to get his team into double figures.
Up 26-12 with no chance of an England comeback, New Zealand kept the ball alive well into stoppage time and it paid dividends as replacement Trael Joass stormed over an English defender on his way to the tryline to cap off a memorable victory.
Meanwhile, the Blitzboks’ poise, accuracy and execution were back during the third-place playoff as they beat Fiji 24-19 to clinch bronze.
South Africa led 17-7 at the midway mark before Siviwe Soyizwapi dotted down early in the second half for a 24-7 advantage.
Fiji finished with a flourish thanks to tries from Toulon duo Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova, but South Africa had done just enough to hold on for the win.
