LAS VEGAS, Nevada: South Africa scored six tries in a 40-21 triumph over New Zealand yesterday in the final of the USA Sevens, fifth stop in the IRB Rugby Sevens World Series.
Branco du Preez scored two tries for South Africa, who had reached the final with a 12-7 semi-final win over defending US champions Samoa.
Paul Treu’s South Africa dominated from the start, taking a 28-0 lead at half-time.
New Zealand rallied in the second half with three tries but had left themselves too much to do.
South Africa’s victory made them the fifth side to win a Series title this season.
With the Hong Kong Sevens next up, March 22-24, New Zealand still lead the standings with 96 points ahead of South Africa on 73, Samoa on 71 and Fiji on 66.
“We haven’t had this feeling for a while now, it’s a while since we last won a Cup, so this is well deserved,” Treu said. AFP
