Sevens: NZ pushed hard in Hong Kong

A try to Tomasi Cama with time up on the clock ensured New Zealand overcame a determined Portugal 19-12 in their second pool match at the Hong Kong sevens rugby tournament in Hong Kong tonight.

Cama crossed a second after the final hooter sounded to break the deadlock after the Portuguese had battled back from 12-0 down to give the Gordon Tietjens-coached side a real fright.

All appeared going to plan after tries to Frank Halai and Tim Mikkelson gave New Zealand the halftime lead, but Portugal struck back after the break with Goncalo Foro crossing twice to level the scores before Cama's late heroics.

Yesterday, New Zealand thumped Korea 61-0 and their remaining pool A match is against France later tonight.

New Zealand jointly lead the world series with England on 80 points.

New Zealand 19 (Frank Halai, Tim Mikkelson, Tomasi Cama tries; Cama 2 con) Portugal 12 (Goncalo Foro 2 tries; Pedro Leal con. Halftime: 12-0.

NZPA WGT sma