Rugby World Cup Sevens: England in familiar defeat as All Blacks win double-double to continue global dominance

England tasted bitter disappointment for the third time as New Zealand sealed a double-double with victory in the men’s Rugby World Cup Sevens final, backing up the women’s success here in San Francisco.

The All Blacks never looked like losing the final as a Sione Molia double gave them an early lead that they would not relinquish. England’s brief fightback came through Mike Ellery and Ruaridh McConnochie, but Joe Ravouvou, Akuila Rokolisoa and Trael Joass secured a 33-12 victory that saw them successfully defend the title they won in Russia four years ago.

For England captain Tom Mitchell, it was the familiar feeling of close but not close enough, having been part of the sides that lost the finals of the World Cup in 2014 and the Great Britain side that claimed silver at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“Right now I am pretty sore, and pretty gutted,” he said. “We came here expecting to be amongst it and really wanting to be World Champions – that is the stuff you dream about. We were there in the final after a lot of ups and downs this season.

“I am super proud to get to that point to be honest, but it means it hurts more as we worked so hard to get there. I am so proud of the boys it is an amazing group to be part of, not just the guys here but the squad at home, management staff. We have had challenges this year, things we have had to work through together – the closeness we have shown, to be that tight, to fight through to that point is amazing. I am so proud to be part of this group.

“We have played some great rugby this weekend, hopefully people have enjoyed watching it. Already a few of people who have not seen the game before have said they really enjoyed what we have been doing. We can leave a legacy in that respect.”

Despite reaching the final, neither Mitchell nor head coach Simon Amor were convinced by the knockout format that was adopted for this World Cup and is under consideration with World Rugby for the regular World Series, while New Zealand coach Clark Laidlaw went one further by expressing his belief that the cut-throat nature of it is unfair.

“I haven't changed my mind, I don't enjoy the format,” Scotsman Laidlaw said. “Ultimately once you're through the first day, every tournament is straight knockout anyway. So it's not actually any different from a rugby perspective. As a spectacle I'm sure everyone enjoyed it. But when you've got coaches and players livelihoods at stake, and the format isn't quite what we're paid to do. It's an interesting question."

England earlier upset the odds by knocking Sevens Series winners South Africa out in the semi-finals, with a dominant display securing a five-try victory over the Blitzboks. However, the series champions did manage to save face by securing third place with a 24-19 victory over Fiji, who appeared to ran out of gas after lighting up Saturday’s play with their eye-catching style and raucous supporters.

Ireland meanwhile capped off what has been a hugely impressive six weeks back in the Sevens fold by defeating Australia in the Challenge Trophy final, securing them ninth place in what is only their third tournament since returning to the top of the Sevens circuit. Billy Dardis, James O’Brien, Terry Kennedy and Gregory O’Shea all scored for the Irish as they secured a 24-12 victory over the side that finished this season’s series in fourth place.

Scotland went two better as they beat France 29-24 to finish in seventh, having been knocked out of the main draw by South Africa before suffering a heavy defeat to the USA. However, Jamie Farndale’s last-play try ensured that the Scots signed off their campaign in style.

Wales also ended their campaign with an impressive win as they beat Canada 35-12, although the day was tarnished by an alleged assault on one of their players by a Samoan opponent, which is being investigated by police.

Swiss watchmaker TUDOR is the Official Time Keeper of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in partnership with World Rugby. For further information visit www.tudorwatch.com