HSBC Sevens World Series
Australia storm to surprise Tokyo crown
ESPNscrum Staff
April 1, 2012
Shannon Walker scored twice as Australia beat Samoa
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Australia upset the odds to win the Tokyo Sevens on Sunday, beating Samoa 28-26 in a dramatic finish at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. Teenager Matt Lucas landed a last-gasp conversion to skipper Ed Jenkins' try to seal victory in a see-saw battle. Shannon Walker had earlier charged in for a brace of tries, with Samoa battling back from a half-time deficit despite Alafoti Fa'osiliva's early try. Damon Anderson stretched the Australian lead after the break but tries from Ken Pisi and Fa'osiliva ensured a grandstand finish. Earlier, the Australians defeated England 33-12 in the semi-finals, having already seen off Wales in the last-eight, while Samoa knocked off New Zealand and Fiji - last week's finalists in Hong Kong. New Zealand finished third, beating England 24-17 in the bronze match, to stretch their lead at the top of the overall standings. The Kiwis are six points clear of Fiji on 128 points, with the Islanders securing vital points by beating South Africa to claim the Plate competition. The remaining silverware on the day went to France and Scotland, who beat the USA and Kenya to win the Bowl and Shield respectively. © ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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