Argentina win IRB Sevens final

Argentina beat England 19-14 in the final of the US round of the International Rugby Board Sevens here Sunday to throw the world series wide open.

England and South Africa now share the lead in the series with 60 points, eight clear of New Zealand on 52. Argentina are fourth on 48, ahead of Fiji (32), Kenya (24) and the United States (20).

Argentina claimed only their second IRB Sevens series title, to go with their 2004 victory in California.

In the final Tom Biggs and Ben Gollings both scored first half tries for England. The Pumas trailed 14-5 at the break, but took control with tries from Martin Rodrigues and Lucas Amorosino before their defense held England off for five minutes.

The Pumas reached the final with a 19-14 victory over the United States. Argentina built a 12-0 lead against the hosts, but Nese Malifa and Chris Wyles each scored converted tries to edge the United States clear before Santiago Gomez Cora punced on the loose ball to score the winner. In the other semi-final South Africa made a quick start, Gio Aplon and Mpho Mbiyozo crossing for a 12-0 lead.

SAN DIEGO, California, Tuesday, AFP