IRB 7s- Team NZ march on.

New Zealand held on in the face of a spirited England fight-back to defend their Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens title 24-14, and finish their IRB Sevens World Series defence on a high.

In a supremely physical match the kiwis went out to a commanding 19-0 lead through Solomon King, David Smith and Chad Tuoro but England hit back just before the break through giant wing Uche Oduoza to trail 19-7 and enjoyed much of the possession in the second half.

Ollie Phillips slipped a tackle to bring the score back to 19-14 but the kiwis' renowned fitness, conditioning and peerless defence saw them home, captain DJ Forbes an inspiration up front and the likes of Kendrick Lynn and David Smith proving that coach Gordon Tietjens has lost none of his knack for unearthing new talent.

With the clock winding down, Nigel Hunt put the game beyond doubt for New Zealand, who have now won eight of the nine IRB Sevens World Series titles under coach Gordon Tietjens.

This season has seen many highs and a couple of lows for the mighty NZ side. Again the master coach Titch has shown that even if he loses some stars from his team he sure knows where to pluck the next generation from and fast! Titch's boys will now feel confident again that they can dominate teams, they will also enjoy a welcome break from the gut wrenching fitness they are always performing. The Kiwi's have left the year with smiles, they are again the IRB sevens champions and almost more rewarding they have just landed the first left hook of the all important world cup year in 09, just when teams thought they might be down they have risen even more.