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New Zealand accomplished a unique double on Sunday by winning the Melrose Cup at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco. In fact the ‘double’ is multi-faceted – not only did New Zealand win both the men’s and women’s competitions, they won each for the second consecutive time. Having also claimed victory in the 15-a-side World Cups in both men’s and women’s, the Pacific nation can now legitimately claim to be defending world champions in every global competition.
The final was entertaining but as with the women not overly competitive. New Zealand were a step ahead the entire way, scoring first and last. Sione Molia touched down twice in the opening minutes before Mike Ellery responded for England. The two sides exchanged through Joe Ravouvou and Ruaridh McConnochie before Akuila Rokolisoa put the game out of reach. With time expired New Zealand opted to keep the ball in play and give the fans one more score via Trael Joass.
Pre-tournament favorites Fiji faltered for a second time in the Bronze Final, losing 24-19 to return home empty-handed. The Blitzbokke showed greater determination at led 24-7 before Fiji grabbed a couple late consolation tries. For Fiji it’s a bitterly disappointing result after entering a star-studded roster tipped by virtually every pundit to take the gold.
The tournament as a whole will be celebrated with more than 100,000 in attendance over the three-day event. Compared to the shambolic displays in Moscow five years ago San Francisco has delivered a smashing success in the eyes of World Rugby, and much to the relief of USA Rugby with dreams of hosting the 15-a-side World Cup still alive and well.
FINAL STANDINGS (SEED)
1 New Zealand (3)
2 England (4)
3 South Africa (1)
4 Fiji (2)
5 Argentina (7)
6 USA (5)
7 Scotland (8)
8 France (11)
9 Ireland (16)
10 Australia (6)
11 Wales (12)
12 Canada (10)
13 Samoa (13)
14 Russia (14)
15 Japan (15)
16 Kenya (9)
17 Chile (17)
18 Hong Kong (19)
19 Uganda (20)
20 Uruguay (18)
21 Papua New Guinea (23)
22 Tonga (24)
23 Zimbabwe (21)
24 Jamaica (22)
RESULTS
BRONZE FINAL
South Africa 24 – 19 Fiji
CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
England 12 – 33 New Zealand
