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All Blacks Sevens win first title in almost two years
The All Blacks Sevens have tasted success for the first time since March 2016, beating Argentina 38-14 in the cup final at the Cape Town Sevens today.
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CHAMPIONS! @nz7s win the #CapeTown7s after beating @unionargentina 38-14
It's their first tournament win since Vancouver in 2016. pic.twitter.com/zDDuVjyDJp
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) December 10, 2017
Tries to Joe Ravouvou (two), Vilimoni Koroi, Tim Mikkelson, Regan Ware and Sione Molia sealed the win for the New Zealanders, while the Argentines could only muster one each at the end of each half to Lautaro Bazan Velez and Luciano Gonzalez.
Earlier, the All Black Sevens stunned the packed Cape Town Stadium by defeating the Blitz Boks of South Africa in their semi final, 19-12. The home side were heavily favoured to make their third consecutive final in Cape Town, which has grown to be one of the most popular tournaments on the Sevens World Series circuit.
The All Blacks Sevens had a shock start to the tournament, getting blanked by the US 0-22. However they bounced back to thrash Spain and Australia in pool play, before winning a tense quarter-final 17-12 over England.
It’s a timely return to form for the All Blacks Sevens, who have endured a tough couple of years since their last tournament win in 2016 at the BC Place in Vancouver. The win bodes well for new coach Clark Laidlaw, who has had an impressive start to his tenure – this win follows a final placing last weekend in Dubai.
The World Sevens Series now takes a break for Christmas, with the next tournament kicking off on the 26th of January at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.
