South Africa have beaten New Zealand 26-17 in the Cup final at the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in a repeat of last year’s victory.
- Cup final: South Africa defeat New Zealand 26-17 in front of 36,425 fans
- Blitzboks move to first in standings with win as road to Rio heats up
South Africa have defended their title and won their second consecutive round of the HSBC Sevens World Series with a 26-17 win over defending series champions New Zealand at the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens in Port Elizabeth, round three of the Series.
New Zealand looked every inch the defending series champions early, Sherwin Stowers crossing out wide to give the All Blacks Sevens a five-point lead. But the form team of the series didn’t take long to spring into action, Philip Snyman on the end of a Blitzbok raid to level shortly after.
Cecil Africa sent the 36,000 strong crowd into raptures with the host nation’s second try, extending the lead to 12-5 just prior to the break before Joe Webber capitalised on Afrika’s sin bin to reduce the deficit to two.
Two minutes into the second half Kwagga Smith broke from the back of a ruck on half way, offloading to Seabelo Senatla who did what he does best making a bee line for the corner setting up 19-10 lead before Webber responded for the All Blacks Sevens reducing the margin to two once more with five minutes remaining. Smith scored next, however, the benefactor of great support play as the Bliztboks took control with an unassailable 26-17 lead.
Earlier, South Africa survived a scare from the Wallabies to advance to their second consecutive Cup Final with a thrilling 19-10 win. The hosts coming from 10-0 behind at half time after Ed Jenkins and Pama Fou took advantage of overlaps to give last week’s runners-up the lead.
Meanwhile, New Zealand kept their try line intact with a convincing 29-0 win over Argentina setting up a mouth-watering Cup final.
Australia finished third on the back of a Pama Fou hat-trick defeating Argentina 34-19 in the playoff for third place after leading 19-14 at half time.
PLATE FINAL: USA UPSET FIJI
A Perry Baker try and tenacous defence in the final minutes swept the USA to a surprise 21-14 win over Fiji. Speedster Carlin Isles continued his good form in the tournament racing away for the USA’S first try before a converted try to Andrew Durutalo extended the margin to 14 at the break.
One of Fiji’s best throughout the tournament, Savenaca Rawaca got his side back in the contest with a converted try shortly after the restart reducing the margin to seven before Vatemo Ravouvou’s try ensured an exciting finish.
Earlier, an injury-depleted Fiji got through to the Plate Final after defeating England 31-0, two opportunistic tries to Savenaca Rawaca and Amenoni Nasilasila gave Fiji the early jump. While the USA, accounted for Scotland 26-19 in the other semi final, Carlin Isles starring with a double.
BOWL FINAL: CANADA TOO STRONG FOR KENYA
After defeating Kenya 19-12 in the Shield final in Dubai last week Canada repeated the dose only this time in the Bowl with a convincing 24-5 win. Sean Duke impressed as Canada capitalised on a better than even share of possession with tries to Mike Fuailefau and Lucas Hammond in the first half. Duke picked up a well-deserved five-pointer just after the break extending Canada’s lead to 17-0.
Earlier, Canada came from 14-7 down at the break against Wales with three unanswered tries to Conor Trainor, Sean Duke and Ciaran Hearn securing a 24-14 victory and booking their place in the Bowl final, while Kenya edged out France 14-12.
SHIELD FINAL: PORTUGAL BEAT SAMOA
Portugal defeated Samoa 19-14 in the Shield final at the Cell C Nelson Bay Sevens in Port Elizabeth scoring three tries to two, including a first half brace by Bernardo Cardoso.
“It’s always good to beat one of the top five or six so this is a big win for us, and our first silverware of the season,” said Portugal’s Carl Murray.
Samoa qualified for the final defeating Zimbabwe 21-14 in their semi final match while Portugal advanced after defeating Japan 24-15.
