Wellington Sevens: Sonny Bill Williams learns lessons in dramatic NZ victory

    Updated 1331 GMT (2131 HKT) February 1, 2016

    Sonny Bill Williams takes a selfie with fans during the cup final against South Africa at the Wellington Sevens.
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    Sonny Bill Williams takes a selfie with fans during the cup final against South Africa at the Wellington Sevens.
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    Williams celebrated his debut in the sevens format as the All Blacks won the tournament for the third year in a row to get off the mark in this season's World Series.
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    Williams celebrated his debut in the sevens format as the All Blacks won the tournament for the third year in a row to get off the mark in this season's World Series.
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    South Africa, which won the previous round in Cape Town in December, rocked the home side from the start and took a 14-0 lead through tries to captain Philip Snyman and Rosko Specman (here tackling Gillies Kaka).
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    South Africa, which won the previous round in Cape Town in December, rocked the home side from the start and took a 14-0 lead through tries to captain Philip Snyman and Rosko Specman (here tackling Gillies Kaka).
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    Akira Ioane, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/26/sport/akira-ioane-new-zealand-rugby-sevens/" target="_blank">once heralded as "the next Jonah Lomu,"</a> kept New Zealand in the game with a touchdown of his own and superb try-saving tackle.
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    Akira Ioane, once heralded as "the next Jonah Lomu," kept New Zealand in the game with a touchdown of his own and superb try-saving tackle.
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    An error by 2015 Rugby World Cup winner Williams allowed fellow 15-a-side convert Francois Hougaard to set up Seabelo Senatla for South Africa's third try.
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    An error by 2015 Rugby World Cup winner Williams allowed fellow 15-a-side convert Francois Hougaard to set up Seabelo Senatla for South Africa's third try.
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    With Specman in the sin bin, Ioane's teenage brother Rieko took advantage to cross the line twice as the All Blacks closed to two points.
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    With Specman in the sin bin, Ioane's teenage brother Rieko took advantage to cross the line twice as the All Blacks closed to two points.
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    Joe Webber then scored a dramatic last-gasp winner after sterling defensive work at the other end of the pitch by teammate Regan Ware, for a final score of 24-21 against the Sevens World Series leader.
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    Joe Webber then scored a dramatic last-gasp winner after sterling defensive work at the other end of the pitch by teammate Regan Ware, for a final score of 24-21 against the Sevens World Series leader.
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    Williams made a strong debut on Saturday as New Zealand won all three group games, and also scored a try in the 25-5 semifinal win over England. The All Blacks thrashed Kenya 36-0 in Sunday's opening quarterfinal.
    Photos: All Blacks retain title
    Williams made a strong debut on Saturday as New Zealand won all three group games, and also scored a try in the 25-5 semifinal win over England. The All Blacks thrashed Kenya 36-0 in Sunday's opening quarterfinal.
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    sonny bill williams selfie wellington sevensall blacks sevens hakawellington sevens kaka tackledakira ioane wellington sevenssonny bill williams offloadrieko ioane scores tryjoe webber try wellington sevenssonny bill williams scores against england

    Story highlights

    • NZ wins Wellington Sevens title
    • Beats South Africa with late try
    • Blitzboks lead overall series

    (CNN)Sonny Bill Williams was the center of attention at this weekend's Wellington Sevens, but the All Blacks rugby star admits he is still learning his way in the shortened version of the game.