IRB Sevens World Series
Mitchell kicks England to win over New Zealand
ESPN Staff
May 10, 2014
England's Tom Powell vies for the ball during the London Sevens, IRB Sevens World Series, Twickenham, May 10, 2014
England's Tom Powell vies for the ball against Wales © Getty Images
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England have ended day one of the London leg of the IRB Sevens World Series unbeaten.

After wins over Wales and Argentina in their first two matches of the day, they thrilled the capacity crowd at Twickenham as Tom Mitchell's last gasp penalty saw England beat series champions New Zealand 15-12.

New Zealand's Gillies Kaka scored first but Tom Powell's try before half-time meant it was 7-5 to the reigning champions at the break. Mitchell's try and conversion just after the break gave England a narrow lead and when Kaka missed the conversion for Bryce Heem's score it meant the two teams went into the final stages of the match locked at 12-12. But it was Mitchell who had the final say with a penalty in front of the sticks in a match played in torrential rain.

There was still plenty for New Zealand to cheer about as qualifying for Sunday's last-eight stage ensured they will take the overall title for the 12th time in 15 years. Tomasi Cama became the second player in the history of the tournament to score 2,000 points.

England will now play France in the knockout stages while Samoa, Australia and South Africa all ended the day unbeaten to qualify as group winners.

Samoa saw off Kenya, Canada and Uruguay and they will play Fiji while Australia beat Fiji, Spain and Japan to book a quarter-final against Kenya. South Africa also won three from three and they will face New Zealand. Scotland will tackle Wales in the bowl.

There were some impressive fancy dress costumes on show on what was a monster themed day © Getty Images
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