Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
All Blacks Sevens complete Dubai double
The New Zealand men's rugby sevens team has won the opening leg of the World Series in Dubai.
It completes a double for New Zealand after the women won their event yesterday.
The All Black Sevens beat the USA 21-5 in the final to claim their first title in Dubai since 2009.
In the quarter-finals New Zealand beat Scotland 21-7 and then held on to beat England 7-5 in the semi-finals.
Coach Clarke Laidlaw had just nine players to choose from for the final with injuries to Scott Curry, Sam Dickson, Akuila Rokolisoa and Regan Ware.
Stand-in captain Sione Molia reflected on the win.
"It was really unfortunate [the injuries] but we knew that we had to get our heads down and start working. We knew that we were coming into this final against a good USA team. The boys put in an unreal shift, I'm really happy."
The last three men's teams to win in Dubai have gone on to win the series.
The next round is in South Africa next weekend with New Zealand drawn against the hosts, Samoa and Zimbabwe.
The New Zealand men's and women's teams have also won Commonwealth Games gold and World Cup gold this year.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Binoy Kampmark: The Australian Defence Formula, Spend! Spend! Spend!
Ian Powell: New Hospital Building Trumps ‘Yes Minister’ Hospital Without Patients
Mike Treen: Prices Are Still Rising - It's A Cost Of Living Crisis
Gordon Campbell: On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
Peter Dunne: Newshub And TVNZ Tip Of Media Iceberg
Harry Finch: Austerity – For And Against