NZ and England remain on top, as South Africa take Vegas

Posted on 17th February 2011

  James Mortimer - (14/02/2011)  

South Africa have claimed their first IRB World Seven Series Cup title since April 2009, with an impressive 24-14 victory over Fiji in the final of the Las Vegas Sevens.
The two finalists defeated the Series leaders in their respective semi finals, with Fiji beating New Zealand 26-7, while South Africa downed England.

Cecil Afrika, who made a triumph return from injury, scored an early try alongside Chris Dry and Branco du Preez to have the BlitzBoks ahead 19-0 in the final with just five minutes on the clock.

Watisoni Votu and Matieli Nacagilevu scored to make it 19-14 in the second half, but Bernardo Botha's final score gave South Africa a historic victory to break their long drought in Cup finals.

The win moves South Africa to 56 points (with 24 earned from the win) cementing their position in fifth spot.

New Zealand and England remain tied at first on 80 points, while Samoa and Fiji are tied on second spot with 64 points.

South African coach Paul Treu said the victory was the result of a lot of hard work and self-belief.

"It's awesome to know that you put in so much work in practice and then for the guys to have the ultimate belief that when they go out on the field and stick to the things we've done that they can actually win tournaments," said Treu.

"For the young players it's always difficult. They're never going to believe until they've seen it and that's what this is going to give them - that belief and calmness that when they go out there and stick to their structures that anything is possible." 

New Zealand were beaten by Fiji in the semi final, which was dissapointing after the Series leaders smashed Argentina 47-7 in the quarter final. They also defeated Uruguay 40-0, Kenya 25-10 and Wales 26-5.