Ireland record first SVNS win over New Zealand but miss out on medal

Ireland Men claimed their first ever SVNS Series win over New Zealand but just missed out on a medal in Cape Town.

After beating USA, Great Britain and South Africa in the pool stage yesterday, James Topping's side set up a last-eight clash with All Blacks Sevens on Sunday morning.

Terry Kennedy scored a hat-trick in a 36-21 victory but Ireland then fell at the semi-final hurdle, losing 26-19 to eventual winners Argentina.

They lost the bronze medal match narrowly to Fiji.

Meanwhile, there was a seventh-place finish for Ireland Women.

Beaten by Great Britain and New Zealand in the pool stages, a victory over Brazil took Allan Temple-Jones' side into a quarter-final against Australia.

The Aussies, who went on to clinch the tournament, won 24-14 but Ireland finished their campaign with a play-off victory over Great Britain.