New Zealand claimed victory at the South Africa Sevens for 2011 with a 19-14 win over the home side 31-26.
Lote Raikubula - tireless worker
They did it without the services of the highly experienced Lote Raikubula who sustained an injury last weekend in Dubai.
The Kiwis had a disastrous result last week in Dubai as they slumped to a humiliating Plate semi-final loss to Australia 26-12.
But they looked like a different team this weekend with greater urgency at the breakdown, better defensive organisation and more creativity in the backline.
Gordon Teitjens’ latest teenage find, Joe Wheeler provided penetration in the midfield with clever side stepping and pace off the mark. The Waikato man confidently ran with the ball in 2 hands, constantly keeping defenses guessing.
Last week, both England and Australia found ways to shut down the Kiwis key play maker, Tomasi Cama. But with Wheeler creating opportunities on the other side of the attack, Cama was back on his game, finishing the tournament with 4 tries and 50 points.
The little master scored 2 tries in the final to extend his lead on the Season’s Top Points scoring table. He has 126 points, 36 ahead of team mate Frank Halai who scored 10 tries over the weekend and leads the Top Tries list with 18.
Semi-final
New Zealand avenged their loss to England last weekend in Dubai in the Cup quarter final to squeeze past Ben Ryan’s men 19-14 in this week’s semi-final.
The winning margin was just 3 points last weekend and it was just one try that separated the teams in Port Elizabeth this week with Tim Mikkleson breaking the deadlock with 1 minute to play.
The 3 tournaments this season have thrown up 3 different winners (Fiji, England and New Zealand). Just 4 points separate these teams and South Africa on the Series Table in the tightest opening of a World Sevens Series in years.
The quality of play and the tight competition will see all eyes on Wellington for the New Zealand Sevens in early February.
For the moment, all teams will appreciate a well-earned break over Xmas and New Year.