New Zealand won the clash of the titans as they marched to a 29-17 victory over England in the Hong Kong Sevens yesterday to open a five-point gap over their rivals at the top of the IRB World Series.

A brace of tries by Frank Halai capped a stunning display of power rugby which saw the All Blacks restore pride after losing last year’s final and buoy spirits in earthquake-hit New Zealand.

“I thought the performance we had today was the best we have had all season. Just a lot of heart, some real gutsy defence and it was a game I thought where we might struggle a bit with the pace of their backs. But we defend very well and I am very happy about it,” said New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens.

The All Blacks, 10-time winners of the vibrant annual showpiece, are hosting this year’s Rugby World Cup but have had to relocate matches after February’s devastating quake in rugby-mad Christchurch.

Victory also avenged a painful loss to Samoa in last year’s dramatic Hong Kong final.

New Zealand had held off Fiji in the semi-finals 19-14.

England trail New Zealand on 105 points but are well clear of Fiji and Samoa who share third spot with 84 points each.

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