Ultimate birthday gift for Tietjens
New Zealand won their four successive Cup title on South African soil after beating France in the Cup final, giving head coach Gordon Tietjens an extra special present.
Tietjens' side has a rich history in South Africa, winning nine of the 14 titles in South Africa and the head coach heaped praise on his side that delivered again on his birthday.
"It was an awesome birthday present," said the New Zealand head coach. "I have had a lot of luck with the team in the last four years to win on my birthday.
"It was important [to win after losing two finals]. We talked about it, we were beaten by a good Samoa last time, beaten by Fiji in Australia. We had to win this one."
"You never underestimate the French either, coming into a final they have as good a chance as any so to win it convincingly in the end was awesome."
Captain DJ Forbes also admitted their seventh win in nine years, which leaves them 14 points clear at the top of the World Series standings, was as good as any.
"It was pretty special," admitted Forbes. "The boys seemed to turn it on and we probably needed this one.
"There is no feeling like winning. Winning here at our home away from home so to speak is awesome. We have been consistently performing, but to finally get the win is awesome.
"We had a bit of pressure on us and to do it four times in a row with supporters like this expecting it is awesome and a lot of credit goes to the boys for being able to do it under pressure."
