England Pip NZ in Semi
Josh continued his dream start to his Interntional Sevens career with another try to help England overcome New Zealand and progress to the final in the iRB World Seven Series, Dubai. Press report from RFU.com New Zealand 19 -21 England England are in their first Dubai final since 2005 by overcoming last seasons series champions New Zealand at the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens. England dominated the first half going into the break 21-0 with tries from Rob Vickerman, Ollie Phillips and Josh Drauniniu and a 100% kicking record from Phillips. But New Zealand fought back in the second half scoring 19 points. England started well with Drauniniu setting up the first try after receiving the ball from an England scrum, he ran through the New Zealand defence but he was caught short of the line and had to throw to Vickerman, who, went over for the first score. Minutes later, New Zealand were penalised just metres from their line and England took advantage, Kevin Barrett took the kick which reached Phillips who went straight over for the second try. Drauniniu was rewarded with his own score seconds before the break making a great run and fending off two defenders to take the scores to 21-0. New Zealand came back fighting in the second half. England’s Tom Biggs was taken down on his way to the tryline and New Zealand’s quick thinking saw them go over for their first try and conversion. New Zealand’s Nafi Tuitavake broke Biggs’ grasp to go over the line for the All Blacks’ second try but they failed to convert. With a minute to go England had a lineout but were penalised for not being straight. A New Zealand scrum saw them over the line for the third time in the last seconds of the match. They converted, but it wasn’t enough and England went through 19-21. England face South Africa in the cup final at 8.34pm, local time (4.34pm GMT). England: Isoa Damudamu (Army), Rob Vickerman (Leeds Carnegie), Uche Oduoza (Suntory, Japan), Ollie Phillips (Captain, Newcastle Falcons), Josua Drauniniu (Exeter Chiefs/Royal Navy), Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs), Chris Cracknell (Exeter Chiefs). Replacements: Tom Biggs (Leeds Carnegie). England scorers: Tries: Drauniniu, Phillips, Vickerman Conversions: Phillips (3) Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens, November 28 & 29 England results: Pool D Friday November 28 England 31-7 Portugal England 24-10 USA Fiji 5 v 28 England Saturday November 29 England 15 -5 Argentina New Zealand 19-21 England Tom Biggs at the Emirates Airline London Sevens photo by Getty Images