NEW ZEALAND ran away with the Lisbon Sevens trophy yesterday - routing Spain 68-5 in the final after Ireland had fallen to the Spanish in the semi finals.

Having battled through four, matches to secure their ticket to next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens finals in Hong Kong, Ireland ran out of steam in their semi final against Spain and lost in the last minute.

High scoring victories over Hungary and Norway were followed by a tougher assignment against Sweden in their opening game on day two for the Irish.

They had to hit back after conceding the opening try before eventually winning 33-10.

They then beat Croatia 47-0 to finish sixth out of eight of the qualifiers for next year's Hong Kong finals.

That ensured them a tough quarter final with Romania, but two second half tries from David Humphreys inspired a 31-12 win.

In the semi final against Spain, who had beaten much fancied Canada 26-19 in the quarters, a Paddy Johns try two minutes from time regained the lead and looked to be enough to send his side through to the final.

But Felipe Tayed latched on to a speculative cross kick to score the winning try in a 24-21 success, and set up that final with the All Blacks.

Ireland's defeat means they will be grouped in Hong Kong with the winners from the third and final qualifying tournament in Punte del Este and the seventh best side from the Dubai tournament.

The untouchable All Blacks hoisted their points tally for the two day tournament to 459 in seven outings. That total included a staggering 69 tries, including 10 in the final.