Charlie Hayter scoring against Scotland

ENGLAND Sevens fell at the final hurdle of the Wellington Sevens, finishing second behind hosts New Zealand after losing a tense final 27-21.

With the home support of the Westpac Stadium, New Zealand shot out of the blocks and went 10-0 up in no time. Marcus Watson brought England to within three at 10-7 but 17 year-old Reiko Ioane had the last say of the half, dotting down to make it 15-7.

Two more New Zealand tries took the game beyond England at 27-7, but late scores from captain Tom Mitchell and John Brake made it 27-21 at the final whistle.

The second-place finish leaves England fifth placed in the HSBC World Sevens Series, two points behind Australia in fourth.

Head Coach Simon Amor said: “I’m incredibly proud of the guys. We showed great spirit to get into the final, our pride and character shone through, and I’m very proud.

“It’s always nice to be in a cup final – it’s why we play the game, the guys want to be competing at the highest level and winning trophies. We still have a long way to go with the programme, but this is a good step forward.

“We had a few players competing in their first tournament for us and the atmosphere in Wellington was a big factor – that experience will stand them in good stead. 

“It’s never ideal to lose players with the experience of Dan Bibby, Dan Norton and Phil Burgess, but it gives opportunities to other players and I’m pleased with how they have stepped up as we head into the Las Vegas leg.”

Earlier, England got off to a flying start against Fiji in the quarter-final and went 14-0 up with scores from Charlie Hayter and Alex Gray. Watson made it 21-7 with minutes to go, but Fiji hit back to take the game to extra time.

Christian Lewis-Pratt saw a drop goal attempt sail just wide, but he made amends a minute later, darting through a gap to dot down and win the game.

Scotland lay in wait in the semi-final, and the auld enemy were bidding for their first cup final appearance. The men in blue got of a to great start and led 19-5 at the break, but second-half scores from James Rodwell, Mitchell and a last gasp winner from Hayter sent England into the decider.