New Zealand have sevens title in grasp after Glasgow success

New Zealand were on the brink of winning their 12th IRB Sevens World Series title in 15 years after beating surprise finalists Canada 54-7 in the climax of the Glasgow tournament on Sunday.

Victory saw New Zealand, winning their fourth Cup title of the 2013-14 series, race 19 points ahead of second-placed South Africa heading into this weekend’s concluding leg in London.

Scott Curry and Ben Lam scored two tries apiece as New Zealand proved too strong in a rainswept climax against a Canada side playing in their first Sevens Cup final.

“It was pretty special and the team has a lot of character,” New Zealand captain DJ Forbes said. “The rain falls into our hands a little bit. We still have a job to do in London but you’d think we can do it.”

Although overwhelmed by the All Blacks Sevens side, Canada could be pleased with their efforts ahead of the Commonwealth Games sevens event in Glasgow in July.

They beat hosts Scotland 10-7 in a hard-fought semi-final, thanks to a try, conversion and penalty drop-goal from captain Phil Mack.

“It is huge for the team,” Mack said. “It’s always been a special team, but this group has the belief and that it is something good.”

The Scots reached their first Cup semi-final in five years after a surprise 12-7 win over South Africa before they lost 17-10 to Fiji in the third-place play-off.