Rugby sevens: New Zealand advance to Cup final

New Zealand captain DJ Forbes. Photo / Getty Images

Frank Halai's golden point-try has guided New Zealand to the final of the Wellington Sevens as they beat England 17-12 this evening.

The hulking winger crossed during the sudden-death period to salvage a game that looked lost for the home side when they were down 12-0 at half time.

In the opening spell New Zealand struggled to get their hands on the ball in the greasy conditions and couldn't get their big outside backs in to the game.

New Zealand were denied the chance to turn over possession in an attacking position during the early stages when Australian referee Anthony Moyes didn't penalise an English player for holding on to the ball.

England took their chances though and crossed twice despite some desperate New Zealand defence.

Kiwi coach Gordon Tietjens brought on All Black Hosea Gear in the second spell and the flying Highlander crossed for one try while Charles Piutau bagged the other.

Tomasi Cama had the chance to win the game in normal time but his late conversion drifted wide of the posts.

Both sides played on after the hooter but when England were caught short they hoofed the ball in to touch, which brought on the extra five-minute stanza.

Each team coughed up possession in extra-time before Halai danced his way through a couple of tackles and sprinted away to score, much to the delight of the fans.

New Zealand will meet Fiji in the final at 9.30pm.

New Zealand 17 (Charles Piutau, Hosea Gear, Frank Halai tries; Tomasi Cama con) England 12 (Greg Barden, Chris Cracknell tries; Christian Lewis-Pratt con) HT: 0-12