New Zealand reasserted their dominance over reigning world sevens rugby series champions Samoa to move a step closer to a significant tournament win at the Adelaide Oval today.
The series leaders halted a six match losing streak against the Pacific Islanders - including a defeat in the quarterfinal stage in
Australia last year - to march into the Cup final against two-time winners South Africa later tonight (2100NZT).
New Zealand overpowered Samoa 33-17 in the first semifinal - the concession of two late tries marring an otherwise commanding performance orchestrated by playmaker Tomasi Cama.
Frank Halai was the chief beneficiary of Cama's intuitiveness, the 22-year-old tour rookie completed a hattrick to continue a try-scoring spree that has seen New Zealand rack up 30 tries in five matches.
Tim Mikkelson skipped free after some Cama magic to commence the New Zealander's latest rout; Halai and Lote Raikabula also iced breaks by Cama to produce an impregnable 21-0 advantage.
A possession-starved Samoa finally replied after the hooter through Ofisa Treviranus but order was restored when Halai duly posted his treble - and sixth try of the tournament - after another precise and patient build-up.
A wilting Samoa managed consolation tries to Tom Iosefo and Afa Aiono - the first time New Zealand's defence had been breached three times.
Earlier New Zealand thrashed Argentina 47-7 in the opening quarterfinal, outscoring the South Americans seven tries to one.
Halai made the most of the game's first turnover when he beat two would-be defenders while skipping down the right hand touch line.
Solomon King did likewise on the left flank while a dummying Toby Arnold and a second unstoppable surge by Halai had the New Zealanders well out of range at 26-0 by halftime.
South Africa, a distant fifth in the overall series standings, recovered from a pool play loss to Samoa yesterday to eliminate Fiji and an English side that never threatened without injured playmaker Ben Gollings.
South Africa blanked England 19-0 in the second semifinal, a welcome outcome for New Zealand as it guaranteed they would extend their five-point series lead over their closest challenger.
New Zealand 33 (Frank Halai 3, Tim Mikkelson, Lote Raikabula tries; Tomasi Cama 4 con) Samoa 17 (Ofisa Treviranus, Tom Iosefo, Afa Aiono tries; Lolo Lui con). Halftime: 21-7.
- NZPA
Lote Raikabula of New Zealand celebrates scoring a try. Photo / Getty Images
New Zealand reasserted their dominance over reigning world sevens rugby series champions Samoa to move a step closer to a significant tournament win at the Adelaide Oval today.
The series leaders halted a six match losing streak against the Pacific Islanders - including a defeat in the quarterfinal stage in
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