Frank Halai scored the decisive try in extra-time as New Zealand reached the final of the Wellington Sevens with a gritty 17-12 victory over England.
Halai would have had coach Gordon Tietjens' nerves jangling as he celebrated before touching down to seal a win that had looked unlikely when New Zealand trailed 0-12 at half-time.
But after fighting back to send the game into sudden-death extra-time, Halai spotted a rare gap in the English defence and raced over in the corner to set up a final showdown with either Samoa or Fiji.
New Zealand were starved off possession in the opening half and England took control with tries to Greg Barden and Chris Cracknell as the hosts uncharacteristically slipped off tackles.
Christian Lewis-Pratt slotted one conversion but played a big part in England's second try as he got round the outside of the New Zealand defence before Halai finally brought him to ground.
England's defence at the start of the second half left New Zealand with no space to get their big ball carriers running.
But a great cross field kick from playmaker Tomasi Cama put Charles Piutau in space and he beat the despairing tackle of Isoa Damu to get the defending Wellington champions on the board. Cama added the conversion.
England had James Rodwell sent to the sinbin for the final two minutes of the match and New Zealand were able to make the advantage count as Hosea Gear powered his way over for the crucial try. Cama could not land the match-winning conversion and the game went into sudden-death extra-time.
Canada gave Samoa an almighty fright in their Cup quarterfinal, forcing the eighth-ranked side to extra time.
Samoa looked comfortable at half-time leading 12-0. But Canada, who were surprise pool D winners, scored late tries to Connor Braid and Sean Duke to leave Nathan Hirayama to kick the conversion to tie the scores.
A penalty drop goal by Lolo Lui sealed the win for Samoa and set-up a semifinal showdown against fierce rivals Fiji, who turned on the style in the second half of their match against South Africa to win 21-5.
Tonga, who bowed out to England in the Cup quarterfinals, booked a Plate final with South Africa after proving too strong for France and winning their semifinal 15-7.
South Africa were pushed hard by an improving Canada side, who enjoyed surprise wins over France and Kenya on day one, but held on for a 21-19 win.
Kenya and Australia will battle for the Bowl after they had comfortable wins over Wales (17-7) and Argentina (24-12), respectively.
Scotland, who battled past the United States 14-12, will contest the Shield final against the Cook Islands, who beat Japan 17-10 in their semifinal.