Rugby Union: All Blacks win back sevens title

Eric Rush, with an inspired performance, led New Zealand to a convincing 32-20 victory over Australia, their arch rivals, in the final of the Hong Kong Sevens yesterday.

Rush scored two tries to deny his opposite number, David Campese, a winning send-off from his last appearance in the tournament. It was New Zealand's fourth title but their first since 1989, when Australia were also their victims.

The All Blacks displayed speed, good handling and tremendous commitment in a rousing final and in the 18-year-old Jonah Lomu seem to have a star of the future. The powerhouse flanker forcefully handed off Campese on his way to scoring New Zealand's fifth try and his ball- winning capabilities and resolute tackling were a feature of the match.

The President's VII, an invitation side who included five players from England's World Cup Sevens winning team, battled bravely against Western Samoa in the quarter-finals, but superb second-half tries from Lolani Koko and Brian Lima saw the holders through 21-12.

In the semi-finals, the Samoans were beaten 28-14 by New Zealand, while Australia accounted for Fiji 20-17 thanks to a penalty in extra time from Campese.