DJ Forbes of New Zealand scores a try. Photo / Getty
South Africa have won their second World Series title, but the All Blacks Sevens were much improved in finishing third in Paris.
Gone, for the most part, were the unforced errors and discipline issues that had bedevilled much of New Zealand's 2016-17 campaign.
They were unbeaten on day one, playing
some slick sevens in a very competitive pool, and then shut out the hosts France and the parochial crowd 14-0 in a tight Cup quarter-final.
New Zealand had the misfortune to strike South Africa in the semifinal. Inspired by the news they had just won the title after England had fallen to Scotland in the other Cup semi, the Blitzbokke, less formidable now than in the first half of the series, still managed a classy display of sevens to repulse New Zealand. Yet it was the underdogs who scored first, Regan Ware finishing a searing Joe Webber break. The brilliance of Rosko Specman, with two second half tries, put paid to any faint hopes of a New Zealand comeback.
In a physical bronze final, New Zealand equalled their best effort this season, clinching third position with a tightly contested 12-5 victory over England, whom they have lowered on four occasions this season. England led 5-0 at the half, but tries to Sam Dickson, via a Beauden Barrett-inspired kick-pass by Jamie Booth, and then a solo Sherwin Stowers sprint, allowed New Zealand to take the honours.
