New Zealand win 2012 Hertz Wellington Sevens

New Zealand have beaten closest rivals Fiji 24-7 to win the 2012 Hertz Sevens, retain their Wellington title and take an outright lead in the HSBC Sevens World Series after four of nine rounds.

Pass It On Tweet 8

The kiwis produced an imperious first half display in front of a partisan home crowd, scoring four unanswered tries in the first 10 minutes through Frank Halai (2), Tomasi Cama and captain DJ Forbes, to lead 24-0.

The Fijians scored the sole try of the second half but New Zealand's defence otherwise held firm to secure a second win on home soil in as many years.

The New Zealanders now lead the overall Series with 73, ahead of Fiji on 70. England defeated Samoa 21-12 in the third place play-off to collect 17 Series points, which puts them on 64 overall, three ahead of South Africa in fourth.

Earlier, Frank Halai scored the decisive try in sudden-death extra-time as New Zealand booked their place in the Cup final, 17-12 winners against England.

Fiji proved too strong for their Pacific rivals Samoa, winning 28-5 in their semi-final thanks to two tries from Metuisela Talebula, adding to an earlier 21-5 victory against South Africa.