New Zealand claimed victory at the fourth leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in front of their home fans in Wellington today.
The two teams had already met in the tournament in Pool B, with New Zealand coming out on top 24-5, but the final was a much closer affair albeit with the same outcome, with the All Blacks earning a 27-21 victory.
They appeared to be cruising to the title as they led at half time by 15-7 but the England team put in an improved display to close the deficit in the second half.
Yet they were unable to turn the match around with New Zealand claiming five tries to England's three, with Rieko Ioane crossing the line twice for the hosts.
New Zealand's win was the first of this year's series and moves them up to second in the overall standings behind South Africa, who they overcame by a 17-7 scoreline in the semi-final stage, with 17-year-old debutant Ioane having excelled in that match as well.
England's hard fought journey to the final might have had a factor in their narrow defeat, having overcome Fiji and Scotland in sudden death extra time in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.
Despite their defeat Scotland will leave New Zealand positive about their performances having appeared in the fourth ever Sevens World Series semi-final and only their first outside of Britain.
But they were outplayed by South Africa with their third place match ending in a 40-7 defeat.
South Africa have retained their advantage in the overall standings with 76 points with New Zealand closing the gap as they sit on 69 points, while Fiji and Australia make up the top four although England are now close behind.
The next leg of the World Series will be held in Las Vegas, with New Zealand drawn in Pool A alongside Fiji, Samoa and Wales, while beaten finalists in Wellington England will face off against Argentina, Canada and Kenya in Pool B.
Overall leaders South Africa will face Japan, Portugal and the US in Pool C, while hosts of the Olympic tournament Brazil will come up against Australia, France and Scotland in a very competitive Pool D.
There are four guaranteed qualifying positions for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games available while the remaining places will be sealed in continental competitions.