New Zealand down Pumas to win LA Sevens

New Zealand’s All Blacks Sevens team performs the Haka after winning the cup final against the Argentina on the second day of the Los Angeles 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series event at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, on 26 February 2023 – Pic by Patrick T. Fallon/AFP

LOS ANGELES, AFP: New Zealand bagged their second victory of the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series on Sunday, beating Argentina 22-12 to win the Los Angeles Sevens. 

Flying wide player Leroy Carter scored two tries as the Kiwis avenged their shock defeat to the Argentinians in the final of the New Zealand Sevens last month.

The Los Angeles victory comes after New Zealand swept to the Sydney Sevens title in Australia, also in January.

New Zealand had reached Sunday’s final in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson after a 24-12 quarter-final victory over Great Britain before defeating Australia 33-17 in the last four. 

Argentina meanwhile had advanced to the final after a battling quarter-final win over Samoa was followed by a 20-17 upset of Fiji in the semi-finals.

The win extends New Zealand’s lead at the top of the series standings to 107 points after six events, 21 points clear of Argentina in second place.

The circuit moves to Canada next weekend for the Vancouver Sevens.