The Team GB rugby sevens team continued their success with a ‘world class’ defensive performance against the All Blacks this afternoon.
Britain are undefeated so far in the tournament and will progress to the quarter finals as winners of their group.
Taking a first half lead of 21-0 through some excellent combinations between Dan Bibby, Tom Mitchell and Dan Norton, GB were on the front foot early in the game.
“That was a wonderful first seven minutes from this team,” said Clive Woodward at the half way point.
After a surprise loss to Japan, the New Zealand squad understood that this was a crucial game and started the second half aggressively.
Rieko Ioane and Regan Ware were both on the scoreboard with three minutes to go, taking the score to 21-12.
The relentless onslaught of the All Blacks was slowed by some excellent last-ditch tackles by Weybridge’s Marcus Watson and Bibby.
In the final minutes, New Zealand managed to match GB’s try total, but a missed conversion provided the two point difference that gave Britain a 21-19 victory.
“What a win and what a disappointing couple of days for New Zealand,” said Woodward.
“In all three games they have looked really polished. They’ve looked ready, prepared, fit.”
Team GB will play their quarter-final match against Argentina at 10pm.
