WATCH: Rebels absolutely dudded by the most obvious forward pass you'll see in Drua try
The Drua need to win to make the playoffs - and started strong with Waqa Nalaga scoring in the corner. But were they fortunate…
Samoa clinched their first ever IRB Sevens World Series title here on Sunday as they reached the final while the only side capable of preventing them winning the crown New Zealand went out in the semis.
The Samoans did it the hard way as they had to wait till the 13th minute of sudden-death extra-time to see England off – skipper Lolo Lui converting a drop goal penalty for a 15-12 victory.
New Zealand failed to set up what would have been a winner takes-all final as bitter rivals Australia – winners of the previous leg of the series in London last weekend – beat them 24-19.
The Samoans went on to win the final 41-14 against the Australians who finished the season with third place overall behind New Zealand.
Samoan coach Stephen Betham conceded that his hair had turned even greyer with the unbelievable climax but was understandably proud of the Pacific Islanders achievement.
“Couldn’t get any better could it. I think my heart almost stopped ten times and I think I have grown another 20 grey hairs but that is Sevens for you,” purred Betham.
“I think they (the Samoans) will be partying back home now and will be partying until we get home, I am pretty lost for words but am trying to gear myself up for the final game and I think I will enjoy it more after that.”
New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens was magnanimous in defeat, and admitted that his side had not deserved to even make the final.
“I think it is great for Samoa,” he said.
“They have worked really hard and in some ways it would have been sad to see them get so far ahead and lose it at the death but they have put a lot of hard work in and it is thoroughly deserved.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
The Drua need to win to make the playoffs - and started strong with Waqa Nalaga scoring in the corner. But were they fortunate…
Juan Martin Gonzalez provided a semi-final moment for Saracens with an amazing try-saving tackle on Alex Mitchell when he looked certain to score.
Australia experienced up and down fortunes at the opening day of the World Rugby Sevens Grand Final in Madrid with the women's side scoring…
In real life you'd take a good bloke with no luck over a s--t bloke who's a jammy bastard every time. But coaching pro…
New South Wales finished at the bottom of the Super Rugby ladder with just one win after coming so close in the final game…
New South Wales could have re-taken the lead inside the final two and a half minutes, but Bowen, in his starting debut sprayed his…