Australia fall to NZ but reach Sevens quarter-finals

Australia has secured a quarter-finals berth at the rugby Sevens tournament in Dubai, despite suffering a 33-7 loss to New Zealand.

The defending champions kept Australia scoreless in the two tries to nil opening half before Luke Morahan pulled one back shortly after the break.

New Zealand then shifted into overdrive and ran home three tries for a ruthless 26-point victory.

The undefeated Kiwis, who will next play Kenya, finished top of Pool A, ahead of Australia, Wales and Zimbabwe.

“They outmuscled us unfortunately,” said Australian Sevens coach Michael O’Connor.

“Their defence won it for them. They swarmed us and we made a couple of silly plays.

“This was a great experience for these young guys though. All but one of our squad have never played before on the Sevens circuit.

“So we’re still in it, we’re into the quarters.”

Earlier, Australia beat Zimbabwe 21-12 and Wales 22-17 in the other pool matches to advance to the quarter-finals of the IRB competition.

Australia’s quarter-final opponent South Africa topped Pool B after downing Scotland 31-10 the Arabian Gulf 33-0 and Kenya 31-0.

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