England clinched a dramatic 19-17 victory over New Zealand in the final of the IRB Sevens in Wellington.
Kiwis stunned by sensational comeback
England clinched a dramatic 19-17 victory over New Zealand in the final of the IRB Sevens in Wellington on Saturday.
Ben Gollings held his nerve in the final minute as his conversion sealed a dramatic comeback after England had fought back from 17-0 down.
The victory was England's first tournament win since Hong Kong in 2006 and the first for coach Benjamin Ryan.
A win looked far from likely heading into half-time - tries from Paul Grant, Zar Lawrence and DJ Forbes powering the Kiwis into a 17-0 lead.
However English spirits were lifted just before the half-time hooter, a superb individual score from Oliver Phillips giving Ryan and his troops a glimmer of hope.
Robert Vickerman then slashed the deficit with England's second try after he coolly intercepted a speculative pass by Lote Raikabula close to his own line to run in under the posts and give Gollings a simple conversion.
Vickerman and Tomasi Cama were then sin binned for an exchange of blows before Isoa Damudamu struck late to hand Gollings his match-winning kick.
The win leaves England and New Zealand tied on 44 points in the IRB Sevens Series standings, just four points behind South Africa who won the Plate competition.
