NZ leave it late to progress unbeaten
NEW Zealand finished day one of the Hamilton Sevens with a perfect record after beating France, Scotland and Argentina with plenty of dazzle, flair and guts yesterday.
In the first New Zealand leg of the World Sevens Series staged outside of Wellington, New Zealand started in electric form before a packed out FMG Stadium Waikato, and Etene Nanai-Seturo showed a glimpse of what the code-hopping teen can do.
The hosts required a last-gasp Joe Ravouvou try to sneak a 17-12 victory against Argentina in the day’s final game, but it was job done – just.
So much talk has surrounded 18-year-old Nanai-Seturo, who is at the centre of an ugly contract row between the Warriors and New Zealand Rugby, since his controversial New Zealand sevens debut in Sydney last weekend.
But two stunning plays – one a ruthless fend on France’s Paulin Riva, and two sidesteps that left Scottish defenders for dead – caught the eye as New Zealand topped Pool C to reach the Cup quarterfinals.
New Zealand hammered France 52-7 in their opening match, then cruised to a 24-5 victory over Scotland, and they rounded off yesterday by scraping past Argentina 17-12 as revellers in and out of their the seats kept a lively atmosphere going from morning until night.
Fiji’s faithful – many catching their closest glimpse of the their seven stars revered so highly by the Pacific Island nation – made the loudest racket as the Olympic champions edged past Australia in their Pool A decider when the sun was coming down.
South Africa and Kenya also won their respective pools and New Zealand, who face England in the last eight, know their work is far from done ahead of today’s finals day.
And the hosts got out of jail after a lacklustre display against Argentina, who will feel aggrieved not to have beaten Clark Laidlaw’s side.
Co-captain Tim Mikkelson surpassed 1000 points for New Zealand in the World Series when scoring against France and another 18-year-old, Caleb Clarke, made his mark with some fierce running as France shipped over 50 points against the hosts.
Vilimoni Koroi was impressive running with the ball and when converting New Zealand’s tries, nailing several drops kick from near the touchline.
The frightening pace New Zealand played at was too good for France and Scotland, who also both lost to Argentina.
New Zealand scored eight tries against France, one which was scored by Nanai-Seturo when the talented teen sauntered down field, shrugged off the last French defender like a rag doll, and casually strolled over the line.
Nanai-Seturo was promoted to start against Scotland and was quiet until two magical sidesteps cut the Scots to pieces in creating a try.
Argentina were far sterner opponents for New Zealand, who were lucky to maintain their unbeaten record in Hamilton.
In yesterday’s other pool matches, the first dazzling moment as the crowds slowly but surely started joining the party was American speedster Perry Baker twirling out of three tackles to score an eye-catching try in USA’s 28-14 win over Canada in the second game.
But USA failed to progress from Pool D, as did Canada, with Kenya finishing top and Samoa second to both reach the last eight after winning two from three pool games.
Kenya progressed by drawing 19-19 with USA in their final match yesterday, while Samoa beat Canada 22-14.
South Africa dominated England to win their Pool B decider 28-7 as both progressed to the quarterfinals ahead of Papua New Guinea and Russia.
Reigning champions and series leaders South Africa take on Argentina in the last eight.
Two wins apiece for Fiji and Australia secured their spots in the quarterfinals from Pool A after both securing victories over Spain and Wales.
Fiji downed Australia 26-15, a late try sealing victory, in their pool decider and face Samoa in the last eight, while Australia will play Kenya.
Won 52-7 v France, won 24-5 v Scotland, won 17-12 v Argentina.
Fiji v Samoa at 12.36pm, New Zealand v England at 12.58pm, Kenya v Australia at 1.20pm, South Africa v Argentina at 1.42pm.