New Zealand Sevens finish fourth in Dubai

Fiji scored five tries in the first half and four in the second in its romp over Canada, which got tries from Pat Kay and Conor Trainor.

England, the 2010 and 2013 champions, rallied with late second half tries through Phil Burgess and a second score for Bowen.

The draw for the HSBC Cape Town Sevens was made before the Cup final at the opening round of the series in Dubai, with winners Fiji heading Pool A at the sold-out Cape Town Stadium.

Speaking after Fiji won the Dubai 7s tournament over England this morning, Ryan says they stuck to their plan which was to start well in the series.

The likes of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand have already stolen a march on the British team as they have all acquired at least one superstar.

The United States beat New Zealand for the first time in the World Rugby Sevens series, winning 14-12 Friday to reach the quarterfinals in Dubai on points difference.

Reigning Dubai champions South Africa were another side in fine form with sevens player of the year Werner Kok picking up where he left off having collected his award in November with two tries in their opening win. “Henry Speight showed what an asset he’ll be to the Sevens program moving forward and against South Africa, again we had our chances”.

France then joins fellow third-placed nations Japan, Scotland and Wales in the shake-up for the Bowl and Shield honours, where they will lock horns with a quartet of winless teams in Russia, Kenya, Portugal and Canada respectively. “There are no easy games ahead and we are grateful to have won here”.

“But it’s a tough assignment for them because as soon as they take their eye off what they are doing in order to nullify us then we are able to create this aura about us”.

Fiji earlier overcame New Zealand 19-5 in the semi-finals and England beat the United States 24-19.

“I thought we were a bit undercooked coming into this tournament, but (the title) always gives you a little bit more confidence when you know what (training) you’re doing back home is working”, said Ryan. We’re top of the tree now.

England is in second place with 19 points and third is U.S. with 17 points.