The Blues lost in the final to New Zealand

The French men's rugby sevens team, a month after its victory in Los Angeles, lost on Sunday to New Zealand (10-7) in the final of the Hong Kong stage of the World Tournament.

The Blues held out well defensively in the first half (0-0) before conceding two tries in quick succession in the second half.

Varian Baskett arrived too late, in the final seconds, to allow them to turn the game around.

This is the second final in a row, a good result for France after winning early last March in Los Angeles with the support of star Antoine Dupont, who was not in Hong Kong this time.

After six out of eight stages, the French remain, with 74 points, in fourth place in the general classification behind Argentina (94 points), Ireland (86 points) and Fiji (76 points).

They will be aiming for a medal this summer at the Paris Olympics.

The French women's team topped the podium in Hong Kong after being narrowly defeated by Australia (24-21) in the bronze medal match.

The outgoing Olympic team, the Blue Team, with 88 points, ranks third overall behind New Zealand and Australia, each with 106 points.

The next stage will be held in Singapore from May 3 to 5, and the grand final in Madrid from May 31 to June 2.