New Zealand beat Argentina in sevens final

New Zealand won their third consecutive rugby sevens title by beating Argentina 31-7 in a lop-sided final at Westpac Stadium in Welington tonight.

The hosts were in control from the opening stages when Orene Ai'i stepped his way to New Zealand's first try.

Amasio Valence then found some pace out wide to extend their lead to 10-0 within five minutes.

Captain Liam Messam completed the first half rampage when he took a final pass from Roy Kinikinilau to score in the corner.

Ai'i converted to make it 17-0 and after just 10 minutes New Zealand had their hat-trick in the bag.

Argentina replied early in the second half with their solitary try to Lucas Borges who burrowed over the line but New Zealand promptly hit back with a try to Tafai Ioasa who exploited the tiring defence.

Argentina's chances disappeared when Santiago Gomez was sent off with five minutes remaining for apparently biting Messam after a tackle. The act soured the final and is likely to result in further disciplinary action against the Argentine plyer.

Ioasa was sinbinned with three minutes remaining to reduce the match to six-on-six but replacement Isaia Toeava sealed the comfortable victory when he scored under the posts in the final minute.

The win has Zealand leading the International Rugby Board (IRB) sevens series with 52 points, followed by Fiji on 44.

In the minor championships, Australia won the Plate final after thumping Scotland 32-0 while crowd favourites and last year's Cup quarterfinalists Kenya beat Tonga 17-12 to claim the Bowl title.

The fourth leg of the IRB sevens series is in Los Angeles next weekend.

New Zealand 31 (Orene Ai'i, Amasio Valence, Liam Messam, Tafai Ioasa, Isaia Toeava tries; Ai'i 3 con)

Argentina 7 (Lucas Borges try; Frederico Miras con).

Halftime: 17-0.

- NZPA