The Blitzboks downed the Olympic gold medallists and overall World Rugby Sevens Series champions 29-24 after extra-time at Dignity Health Stadium.

Sakoyisa Makata scored the winning try after South Africa battled back to force a 24-24 draw at the end of normal time.

Fiji started superbly with three tries in the opening five minutes but they could not maintain their lead despite being 19-0 in front.

A converted try by Branco Du Preez in the final minute of normal time brought the game level before Makata sealed an unlikely turnaround.

The result meant South Africa took revenge after Fiji beat them in the final at the last stop of the season in Sydney.

They have now won two of the five events this term after their success at the curtain-raiser in Dubai.

"They kept on believing until the end," said South Africa head coach Neil Powell.

"You could see that belief in the second half."

South Africa saw off overall leaders New Zealand 17-0 in the semi-final while Rio 2016 winners Fiji thrashed Australia 43-7.

New Zealand then pipped Australia 21-19 for bronze.

In the quarter-finals, South Africa disappointed the home crowd by edging out hosts United States 12-10.

The Americans had been hoping to win their home tournament for the third year in a row.

Fiji beat England 26-5, Australia thrashed Ireland 36-0 and New Zealand knocked out France 29-14.

In the overall standings, South Africa have cut New Zealand's lead to four points.

The Kiwis, who won in Cape Town and Hamilton this season, have 93 points with 2017 and 2018 champions South Africa on 89.

Fiji sit third with 72 as they bid to defend their title.

The season will now continue with the Canada Sevens in Vancouver on March 7 and 8.