New Zealand successfully defended the Men’s title of the Singapore 7s after edging Ireland 17-14 in a thrilling final at the National Stadium.
Two first-half tries from Leroy Carter and Fehi Fineanganofo took New Zealand into a 12-0 lead before Ireland had their first threatening attack, but the men in green managed to cross for one of their own just before the break through Gavin Mullin for a 12-7 half-time score.
A tense second half was eventually broken by Dylan Collier sniping at the ruck for New Zealand’s third, but Harry McNulty, who missed his tackle on Collier to concede a minute earlier, made amends with a score at the other end to make it a three-point game.
A Cody Vai knock on gave Ireland one final chance, but they were left bridesmaids in a final for a third time as Tone Ng Shiu came up with the crucial turnover at the breakdown.
Earlier in the semifinals, Ireland overcame Great Britain 15-12 while New Zealand outclassed Australia 28-12.
