Development side win Noosa sevens

New Zealand have continued their preparation for the upcoming World Rugby Sevens Series with a 20-10 win in the Noosa International Sevens final on Sunday night.

Gordon Tietjens led a New Zealand development side to the Sunshine Coast, blooding some new talent as well as getting some much needed match fitness for his established stars.

In the final a mixture of the new faces and old heads combined to secure a tournament victory over Fijian side Global Tabadamu Rugby Club.

Particularly impressive for the New Zealanders were Rotorua Boys’ High School star Isaac Te Aute, making breaks with his lightning turn of pace; while Max Pearson had a stunning second half, scoring a try and forcing a couple of good turnovers.

Pearson in particular seemed to shine in the final, playing alongside the likes of Gillies Kaka and captain Lote Raikabula who were steering the ship.

Murphy Taramai and Luke Masirewa also had highlight plays for the New Zealand squad in the final, trying to prove to Tietjens that they are deserving of World Series game time this coming season.

Earlier in the day the Kiwis beat the German national team 17-12 in the semifinals, and Brisbane Fijians 19-7 in the quarters.

Raikabula said after the final that the young players stood tall during the tournament.

‘‘We came over here to develop some of the young boys and the old boys are really proud of them. They really stepped up, especially in the final,’’ he said. ‘‘It was a good team effort, we really shared the load.’’

New Zealand, who have made made slow starts to matches in Noosa, came out firing in the second half. Raikabula said it was patience and some wise words from Tietjens at halftime breaks which settled the team down after frustration threatened to the get better of them.

The World Rugby Sevens Series begins with the Dubai Sevens in the first weekend of December.