Fiji crush NZ in Las Vegas sevens

(stuff.co.nz)  14.02.2011

 New Zealand have been overwhelmed 26-7 by Fiji in their semifinal of the IRB world sevens rugby tournament in Las Vegas.

Coming off the high of their triumph at the Wellington tournament last weekend, Gordon Tietjens' men were shut out by the rampant Fijians who had yet to fire a shot in the world series but were all class today (NZT).  On this form, Fiji - who elminated defending champions Samoa yesterday - will start favourites for the final against South Africa later this morning. 

They raced 14-0 clear of New Zealand with a thrilling try to Joeli Lutumailagi three minutes after the halftime hooter had sounded and that seemed to knock the stuffing out of their opponents.  Mitieli Nacagilevu pushed his team further clear after the break, effectively sealing the result.

Veteran playmaker nabbed New Zealand's lone try with just over a minute remaining but Fiji had the final say courtesy of Nikola Matawalu. The poor New Zealand display followed an excellent first-day performance, including a 47-7 thrashing of Argentina in the quarterfinals.

The only consolation for New Zealand is that they will remain tied at the top of the IRB series standings after co-leader England also bowed in the semifinals, losing 17-10 to a South African side who bounced back from 10-0 down at halftime.

Result:Fiji 26 (Seremaia Burotu, Joeli Lutumailagi, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Nikola Matawalu tries; Emosi Vucago con, Nacagilevu 2 con) New Zealand 7 (Tomasi Cama try, con). Halftime: 14-0.