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Tomasi Cama in action for New Zealand. - Source: Photosport -
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New Zealand have emerged 12-7 winners from a tough quarter-final clash against England at the Las Vegas Sevens today.
England had a chance of snatching the win after the full-time hooter with New Zealand desperately defending their line but a knock-on ruined any hopes of an upset victory.
New Zealand were made to work hard for the win, scoring just two tries in a dour, physical match that had more than a little feeling to it.
New Zealand will be hoping star winger Frank Halai recovers from what looked to be a foot injury suffered in the second half to take the field in their semi-final match tomorrow.
The Kiwi outfit opened the scoring in the first minute, through that man Halai, the leading tryscorer on the sevens circuit notching his 27th for the season.
England were committed in the tackle and restricted New Zealand's attacking chances to take a narrow 7-5 lead into the second half after speedster Dan Norton scored a minute from the break.
New Zealand's chief playmaker Tomasi Cama scored and converted his side's second try halfway through the second period, racing away under the posts after great lead-up work from the industrious Mark Jackman and Tim Mikkelson.
Ill-discipline could have cost New Zealand in the dying stages as England clung on, aided by a silly penalty against Waisake Naholo for throwing the ball away, but it was a bridge too far and New Zealand snuck home with the win.
Gordon Teitjens men now advance to the semi-final stage tomorrow but will be wanting to improve their accuracy and discipline as they look to secure another title.
New Zealand 12 (Halai, Cama tries; Cama con).
England 7 (Norton try; con).
