New Zealand claimed their third straight Wellington Sevens victory with a dramatic win over South Africa ©World Rugby

Joe Webber’s last-gasp try saw hosts New Zealand crowned winners of the World Rugby Sevens Series event in Wellington as they claimed a dramatic 24-21 victory over South Africa in the final.

The Blitzboks took control of the showpiece contest as they raced into a 14-0 lead in the first-half thanks to converted tries from Philip Snyman and Rosco Speckman to leave the home side in trouble.

Akira Ioane got New Zealand on the scoreboard to reduce the deficit but South Africa restored their 14-point advantage when Seabelo Senatla went over as his side moved a step closer to sealing the title.

But New Zealand, buoyed by their home support, launched a spirited fightback as Rieko Ioane scored two quick-fire converted tries to cut the South African lead to 21-19, before Webber received the ball out wide and sprinted into the corner to secure a memorable victory for the home side.

The result moves New Zealand up to third on the overall World Rugby Sevens Series standings, while South Africa reaching the final was enough to see them overtake Fiji at the summit of the leaderboard.

Joe Webber broke through the South African defence to seal a dramatic victory for the home side
Joe Webber broke through the South African defence to seal a dramatic victory for the home side ©World Rugby

It also marked the hosts third consecutive victory at the Wellington stop on the series calendar.

They have now won five of the last six tournaments in the city.

“All week we talked about how we needed a lot of heart and a lot of ticker,” captain Tim Mikkelson said.

“Liam Messam came back from Japan and talked about putting the pride back in the jersey after the last couple of tournaments, and that's what we did.

“We talked about securing the kick-offs and we bumbled a few and put ourselves under pressure but we knew if we could keep the ball in hand we could win.”

A double from Ben Lam had earlier helped New Zealand book their place in the final as they overcame England 21-5 in the last four, while Cheslin Kolbe also scored a brace in South Africa’s 31-0 thrashing of defending World Rugby Sevens Series champions Fiji.

The Fijians were able to end the event on a positive note as they secured third place by beating England 24-12.

Elsewhere, Samoa ran in three tries as they lifted the Bowl with a 19-7 success over Scotland, with Australia taking home the plate as they proved too strong for Argentina with a 21-5 triumph.

The next Sevens World Series competition takes place in Sydney from February 6 to 7.