HSBC Sevens World Series
Last-gasp Samoa take Las Vegas Sevens
ESPNscrum Staff
February 13, 2012
Samoa celebrate taking the Las Vegas Sevens, HSBC Sevens World Series, Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, United States, February 12, 2012
Samoa celebrate taking the Las Vegas leg of the Sevens © Getty Images
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Teams: New Zealand | Samoa

Samoa overcame HSBC Sevens World Series leaders New Zealand 26-19 to take the Las Vegas Sevens with a try from the final play of the game.

With the scores locked at 19-19 and the game looking destined for extra time, man mountain Alafoti Faosiliva powered over wide out on the right to score a memorable winning try. In taking the Las Vegas title, Samoa become the fourth nation to win a Cup title after five rounds of the 2011-12 HSBC Sevens World Series.

The victory takes the Samoans up to fifth in the World Series standings on 69 points. New Zealand still lead the table with 92, only five clear of Fiji in second. South Africa lie third on 76 after they won the third/fourth play-off against the Fijians, and England are fourth with 74.

Faosiliva crossed for Samoa's opening try mid way through the first half and, although Charles Piutau pulled one back for the kiwis, Paul Perez gave the Samoans a one-try lead at the end of a bruising opening 10 minutes. After the break Faatoina Autagavaia put the islanders two scores clear, but Tomasi Cama broke through to score under the posts and with the clock running down Ardie Savea latched onto a clever ball from Lote Raikabula to pull the New Zealanders level.

However, the Samoans were to have the final say when they worked the ball well upfield with an 18-pass move and found Faosiliva, who stormed through two defenders before diving over the line for the winning try.

Earlier, the Samoans edged Pacific rivals Fiji 14-12 in one semi fina with tries from Paul Perez and Faatoina Autagavala, after tries from Bryce Heem, Tomasi Cama, Mark Jackman and captain DJ Forbes helped New Zealand to end South Africa's USA Sevens title defence.

Sidney Ashioya, Humphrey Kayange and David Ambunya all scored to help Kenya come from 7-0 behind to beat Argentina 21-7 and lift the Plate trophy to the delight of the crowd. After a disappointing first three tournaments of the World Series, Kenya look back to their best, adding this Plate victory to a Bowl triumph in Wellington last weekend.

And Sean Duke scored a dramatic try in the dying seconds of the Bowl final to give Canada victory against Australia, ending a successful two weeks for Geriant John's side.

Prior to the final, Australia beat USA 19-14 after a 50-0 victory against Brazil in the opening Bowl quarter final after Taylor Paris scored a hat-trick to help book Canada's place in the final four.

Dubai Sevens runners-up France beat Scotland 22-7 in the Shield final after beating Brazil in their semi final thanks to two tries from Jean Baptise Belanger in the first match of day three at the Sam Boyd Stadium.

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