Runners-up in the opening round of the new season in Dubai last week, New Zealand thumped Argentina 38-14 in the Cape Town final on Monday (NZ time) to go to the top of the standings.
It was a triumph which came after the team had overcome no lack of adversity during the tournament.
New Zealand were not only swept aside 22-0 by the USA in their opening pool game, they needed come-from-behind wins over two of their biggest rivals to secure their spot in the title decider.
