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Avenging All Blacks New Zealand wins Sevens title in Dubai
Posted: Friday December 03, 1999 06:11 PM
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Orene Ai'I scored four tries Friday and New Zealand won the Dubai International Rugby Sevens title with a 38-14 victory over Fiji. The Kiwis dominated the final thanks to the former Samoan flyhalf, who also kicked four conversions. Veteran All Blacks Dallas Seymour and Brad Fleming also scored tries. The defending champion, Fiji finished the game with five players after Australian referee George Ayoub sent off Apolosi Satala in the last minute for head-butting New Zealand skipper Eric Rush and Filimoni Delasau for throwing a punch. But by then the Fijians, who trailed 19-7 at halftime, had all but lost already. The victory avenged the All Blacks defeat in last year's final to Fiji, and the growing rivalry between the two occasionally boiled over. Ai'I was pushed down after scoring his third try by Delasau, who was given a yellow card. A scuffle ensued. New Zealand's Craig De Goldi was also cautioned by the referee. Fleming, one of the tournament's stars, caused problems for Fiji through his excellent running and passing to set up moves. "We didn't expect to win so easily. We have shown today that we are the best sevens side around and we are the team to beat in the rest of the World Series," Rush said. Fijian manager Epeil Lagiloaloa accused Seymour and Rush of provoking his players. "This is typical New Zealand and we know about Rush and Seymour," he said. "It's a part of their strategy and our young players have to learn to keep their composure." Earlier Friday, Australia salvaged some pride by winning the international plate with a 33-20 victory over France. It was the second victory for the Wallabies over the French in the tournament, having defeated them in their pool match Thursday. "We were very disappointed when we got eliminated from the main event but our guys picked themselves up," manager Glen Ella said. "But obviously we are not ready to take on New Zealand at this stage as they are far better." Scotland, the only British team taking part, gained some consolation from its drubbing by Tonga on Thursday. It won the international bowl by beating Zimbabwe 31-24. "It's a good victory after our disappointments the previous day," said Scottish skipper Nick Penny. Dubai won the Gulf event, outclassing Bahrain 43-5 in the final.
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