Sevens: New Zealand top group

Beaudine Waaka crosses during New Zealand's first match against Canada. Photo / Getty

New Zealand have booked a quarter-final date with Australia at Sevens Wellington after finishing top of their pool.

The Men in Black edged England 24-5 in their final Pool B encounter last night and will meet Australia in the knockout stages this afternoon.

New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens was able to give all 12 of his players a start during pool play as Dylan Collier began the game against England to complete the dozen.

After easy victories over Canada and Papua New Guinea earlier in the day, England always loomed as New Zealand's biggest challenge in Pool B.

The first half was a tight affair as James Rodwell put England on the board early as New Zealand bungled the kick-off.

They scraped their way back in to the contest though via Rieko Ioane - a 17-year-old who needed a dispensation to play at the tournament - as they squared the ledger.
Bay of Plenty's Scott Curry produced a brilliant solo try in the second spell as New Zealand began to get control of the game.

Their veteran players came to the fore, which helped their cause and a small but vocal crowd rallied behind them.

When Sherwin Stowers crossed with around a minute left, the result was iced and New Zealand could look ahead as they try to defend their Wellington crown. Rieko Ioane completed his brace as the hooter went.

New Zealand 24 (Rieko Ioane 2, Scott Curry, Sherwin Stowers tries; Gillies Kaka con, Beaudein Waaka con)
England 5 (James Rodwell try
HT: 5-5