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Defending champions New Zealand bowed out of the rugby sevens gold medal reckoning when they lost a thrilling semi-final 19-14 to Fiji in extra time.

The result means both New Zealand sevens side are left competing for the bronze medal, after winning gold on the Gold Coast four years ago.

New Zealand looked to have one foot in the final when they led 14-0 as the end of the first half loomed. There was a scrum right on halftime and the New Zealanders had the option of kicking for touch and maintaining their lead, or trying to convert possession into more points to stretch their lead further.

The New Zealanders opted to run the ball, as is their style, and Fijian Filipe Sauturaga intercepted and sped off to the tryline. Even worse, New Zealand’s Scott Curry, a key player, pulled a hamstring chasing him.

So Fiji went into the break down only 14-7 and still with hope.

The second half was a tough grind in which New Zealand could not add to their total and Fiji scored once, a brilliant try with three minutes remaining.

Near fulltime New Zealand had two players yellow carded, Akuila Rokolisoa for a deliberate knockdown and Leroy Carter for a late tackle.

In sevens, having one player on the sideline is generally decisive. Having two left New Zealand with minimal hope.

Sure enough when extra time began (golden point – the first team to score wins), Fijian Waisea Nacuqu grabbed an intercept and sprinted 80 metres to score in the corner and consign New Zealand to the bronze medal play-off against Australia, who lost their semi-final against South Africa 24-12.

The New Zealand men's team has a magnificent record in men’s sevens at the Commonwealth Games. Going into the Fiji semi-final they’d won 39 of their 40 Games matches, and five out of six of the tournaments.

New Zealand captain Sam Dickson was understandably hugely disappointed afterwards.

“One crucial mistake let them right back in, and that's exactly what you don't want against Fiji,” Dickson said.

“Obviously, two yellow cards at the end really hurt. It was all off our own mistakes. We had chances to win it and control the game, and we just weren't good enough.”

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
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