Ireland denied history by New Zealand in Sevens cup final

Ireland threatened history before being edged out by holders New Zealand 17-14 in the Singapore Sevens Finals today.

While it was just a third appearance for the men in green in a decider, it was the 110th time New Zealand reached a decider, with the champions making it back-to-back wins in sweltering conditions.

Having seen off Argentina in the quarter-final and Great Britain at the penultimate stage, Ireland were always going to be up against it against such vaunted opposition.

It was the All Blacks who made the more clinical start, Leroy Carter crossing within a minute after an incisive break down the blindside.

It would get worse midway through the first-half when Fehi Fineanganofo broke through some slack Irish defence to extend the advantage.

James Topping's side however rallied with the clock winding down and were rewraed for their attacking endeavour when Gavin Mullin finished off a fine move to reduce the gap, the holders leading 12-7 at the interval.

The pattern to the second half followed the first, with early New Zealand pressure paying dividend.

With a break that brought them up to the Irish line, captain Dylan Collier faked to fling the ball back inside before darting through the gap for his 72nd career try at this level.

Yet again the Irish dug deep, with Jordan Conroy leading a kick-chase to force the turnover. From there the green jerseys fanned out and while captain Harry McNulty had a 2v2 outside him, his show-and-go created enough space to exploit and reduce the margin.

Conroy hobbled off shortly after, and defending a 17-14 lead, New Zealand looked to wind the clock down, but with just 17 seconds remaining, a knock-on gave Ireland one last chance to create history.

The play swept across both sides, but unable