The reigning Series champions won a thrilling final 31-26 in front of 30,000 fans to claim the first South Africa Sevens title to be played at a new home in Port Elizabeth.

In doing so, they have drawn level with Fiji on 51 points at the top of the World Series with South Africa in third on 48 and England just one more point adrift in fourth.

"It was a great final," said the New Zealand coach, Gordon Tietjens.

"South Africa played really well but it was great for my new young guys to come on and provide something for that win.

"It's great for my team to get back on track.

"To beat South Africa on their ground is great for us.

"When you look at it, we have been to three tournaments and been in two finals.

"I am really proud of the guys."


Twice New Zealand led in the first-half through the captain DJ Forbes and half-back Tomasi Cama but twice South Africa hit back through Bernardo Botha.

However, Frank Halai's long-range run-in nudged the reigning Series champions into a 17-14 half-time lead.

After the break, the hosts built a lead with tries from Steven Hunt and Cecil Afrika, but Halai again answered for the All Blacks to cut the deficit to two points and with the final play of the match, New Zealand kicked a loose ball up the field to create a match-winning score for Tomasi Cama.

Samoa finished third in the tournament after beating England 17-14 in the bronze final. 

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