2008 Emirates Airline London Sevens competition
Please note that this news story is archived here for historical interest and refers to the London Sevens competition in 2007.
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May 27, 2007
The race for the IRB World Sevens crown is still alive after New Zealand beat Fiji 29-7 in the final of the Emirates Airline London Sevens.
The teams head for Edinburgh and the deciding round of the eight-leg series with only 14 points separating both today’s finalists and Samoa.
England, though, will finish in fifth place overall after failing to reach the last eight at Twickenham and settling for the consolation of a 10-0 Bowl win over minnows Portugal.
Fiji had impressed on both days in London despite constant rain and scored the try of the tournament through William Ryder in the final, who was faced with a trio of tacklers in his own 22 and beat the lot before going the length of the field to score.
But New Zealand had the edge in all-round power and pace, Zar Lawrence touching down twice backed up by tries from Afeleke Pelenise, Roy Kinikinilau and Adam Thomson.
England’s failure to make it out of the group stages after a 22-0 defeat against Wales represented their worst showing in a tournament since they joined the World Sevens Series six seasons ago.
They saved face by winning all three games on the final day, seeing off Kenya 19-0 and France 17-7 before facing Portugal in the final.
Sale Sharks scrum-half Ben Foden scored twice against the Kenyans and made the other try for Harlequins full-back Tom Williams.
Newbury flanker Isao Damu secured their win over the French with two tries and a third from Foden finished the job.
However, England failed to sparkle against Portugal, winning 10-0 with tries from Damu and Sale Sharks flanker Michael Hills.
A 15-5 win over Scotland helped Wales reach the semi-finals of the main competition where they bowed out 24-7 to Fiji with Rob McCusker scoring their consolation try.
South Africa won the Plate after a 14-5 win over Australia and Kenya went on to beat Italy 15-0 in the Shield final.
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