Rugby: NZ bow out early in London

NZ lost to Samoa in the quarterfinals of the London sevens. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand can still regain the world sevens rugby crown despite an early exit in the seventh and penultimate round of the series in London today.

New Zealand crashed out in the quarterfinals of the Cup competition when losing 10-19 to arch nemesis Samoa.

But their world title hopes remain alive after Samoa lost their semifinal 12-24 to South Africa and New Zealand went on to beat Fiji 26-24 in the Plate final.

Australia beat reigning world titleholders South Africa 19-14 in the Cup final to join Fiji in third place on the points standings entering the final round at Edinburgh.

However, they are well behind Samoa and New Zealand. Samoa sit top on 140 points, with New Zealand on 133 and Australia and Fiji on 102.

New Zealand can regain the world title but need to win the tournament at Edinburgh and hope Samoa do not reach the final.

Australia's success today ended Samoa's stranglehold after they had won the previous three tournaments in Las Vegas, Adelaide and Hong Kong.

- NZPA