The New Zealand team completed the 4,000m course in 3:55.952 to Russia’s 3:58.282, winning a bronze medal for the Kiwis ad Britain won gold.

The team of Sam Bewley, Jesse Sergent, Marc Ryan and Aaron Gate qualified third fastest yesterday, lost their first round ride against second qualifiers Australia by just over 2sec.

It is a glorious day for New Zealand who have already won two gold medals today!

At Eton Dorney this morning, New Zealand brought home Olympic gold when men’s sculling pair Hamish Bond and Eric Murray won their final, then, within the hour, a second gold was taken as single-sculler Mahe Drysdale powered to an easy first place.

New Zealand now has four London 2012 Olympic golds.