Samoa proved themselves the toast of Las Vegas with a stunning Cup win at the USA Sevens, beating New Zealand 33-12 in the final.

It was the fourth time the Pacific Islanders have taken an IRB leg and made up for the disappointment of finishing runners-up last weekend in Wellington, whilst delighting the large Polynesian contingent present in Sin City.

The Kiwis are still in pole position overall in the Series log, with the Samoans leapfrogging Fiji into second place.

South Africa also picked up some silverware winning the Plate, with hosts USA taking the Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.

Try scoring wonder Mikaele Pesamino was again in fine form on day 2 scoring a hat-trick in the final, including two interceptions. Alafoti Fa'osiliva was also in inspired form crossing twice and making a regular nuisance of himself at the breakdown.

Kurt Baker and Tim Mikkeslon both went over for Gordon Tietjens’ kiwis but they were ultimately hamstrung by injuries to Sherwin Stowers and Ben Souness and Save Tokulas’s suspension.

New Zealand overcame Kenya in a tight semi-final (21-7_ with Baker, Lawrence, and Raikabula all socring.  Samoa did enough to take their semi-final against a hugely resurgent Australia with Lolo Lui’s conversion proving the ultimate difference between the sides.

Australia put in arguably the performance in the day in the quarter-finals shocking Wellington winners Fiji by 28-7 to reach their first semi-final in two years. Samoa proved too classy for Wales (31-5) with New Zealand’s defense the key in their win over the plucky South Africans (12-5).

England’s Vegas dream was also shattered in the quarter-final stage in sudden death extra-time by an inspired Kenya.

The English never recovered from the defeat and were soon sent packing by newly physical South Africa 27-14. The Boks continued their form in the Plate Final finally beating Fiji (12-7) in their fourth attempt this season.

It was South Africa’s first bit of silverware of the season, with Cecil Afrika their most dangerous weapon scoring in each game of the tournament.

Hosts USA battled past Argentina to qualify for the Bowl final with Matt Hawkins particularly impressive. They continued that form in the final overcoming France (26-17) to the delight of a partisan crowd.

It proved another disappointing weekend for Stevie Gemmell’s Scotland who had to settle for the consolation of only winning the Shield, beating Japan 17-7.

China beats USA for Women's title

China overcame the hosts USA at the Sam Boyd Stadium to win the first Women's International Invitational final to be played in Las Vegas.

China scored early in the first half when Zhao Xin Qi broke free from the defence and touched down for a try and the lead was extended by Guon Qi Shi.

The hosts came back hard in the second period but the Chinese were resolute in defence and were deserved winners.

USA Sevens, Las Vegas: Day 2 As it Happened

USA Sevens, Las Vegas: Day 1 As it Happened
 

USA Sevens, Day 2 Results

Bowl Quarter-Finals: France 19 Canada 12

Bowl Quarter-Finals: Japan 7 Chile 19

Bowl Quarter-Finals: Scotland 7 Argentina 14

Bowl Quarter-Finals: USA 33 Guyana 12

Cup Quarter-Finals: New Zealand 12 South Africa 5

Cup Quarter-Finals: England 21 Kenya 26 ET

Cup Quarter-Finals: Samoa 17 Wales 5

Cup Quarter-Finals: Fiji 7 Australia 28

Shield Semi-Finals: Canada 5 Japan 17

Shield Semi-Finals: Scotland 31 Guyana 7

Bowl Semi-Finals: France 45 Chile 7

Bowl Semi-Finals: USA 19 Argentina 14

Plate Semi-Finals: England 14 South Africa 27

Plate Semi-Finals: Fiji 32 Wales 0

Cup Semi-Finals: New Zealand 21 Kenya 7

Cup Semi-Finals: Samoa 14 Australia 12

Shield Final: Scotland 17 Japan 7

Bowl Final: USA 26 France 17

Plate Final: South Africa 12 Fiji 7

Cup Final: New Zealand 12 Samoa 33

Got a Rugby Sevens question? Want to know more about the IRB Sevens World Series or any aspect of the sport? Former England captain Andy Vilk will be offering his expert opinion in answering all your queries in the aftermath of the USA Sevens. Send all your questions to Andy by emailing press@ur7s.com