HSBC Sevens World Series: New Zealand claim Los Angeles title, extend lead at top of table
- Brady Rush scores with seconds remaining to seal 22-12 win over Argentina
- Victory avenges surprise defeat at hands of South American side in Hamilton last month
Brady Rush scored with seconds remaining to seal New Zealand’s 22-12 victory over Argentina in the Los Angeles Sevens final, avenging a surprise defeat on home soil a month ago.
The New Zealanders led 17-0 at half-time after a pair of tries from Leroy Carter following the long-range opener from Moses Leo, who sprinted almost the length of the field down the left wing.
But Argentina hit back with tries from Tobias Wade and Agustin Fraga to narrow the margin to five points and again threatened a comeback win.
The Kiwis squandered a 12-point lead to lose the final against Argentina in Hamilton last month, but held firm this time to seal back-to-back titles on the World Sevens Series circuit after winning in Sydney last month.
New Zealand have 107 points after six of 11 tournaments. Argentina moved into second spot on 86, equal with South Africa, while Olympic champions Fiji moved into fourth spot on 84 points with a 21-19 bronze-medal win over Australia.
All Blacks Sevens captain Sam Dickson said he hoped his team had given the people at home a little boost after Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand earlier this month, killing 11 people and causing billions of dollars in damage to homes and infrastructure.
