Branco du Preez goes over for South Africa against England © Martin Seras Lima

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South Africa took the third leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series thanks to a 26-17 win over New Zealand in the final of the Port Elizabeth tournament.

It was the Kiwis who drew first blood in the final with Sherwin Stowers crossing but South Africa then took a 12-5 lead thanks to tries from Philip Snyman and Cecil Afrika. But with Afrika then sin-binned, New Zealand reduced the deficit to two points with Joe Webber scoring on the stroke of half-time.

Come the second-half it was the hosts who started the best with Seabelo Senatla scoring a remarkable solo effort, moments after Afrika returned to the field, with Branco du Preez adding the extras from the touchline. Webber then crashed over under the posts for New Zealand to reduce the deficit to two points in a see-saw of a game. But it was the Blitzbokke who had the final say with Kwagga Smith crossing in the final throws of the match as South Africa closed out the tournament.

Australia went on to secure third place as they defeated Argentina 34-19 with Pama Fou getting a hat-trick alongside scores from Thomas Cusack, Edward Jenkins and Nicholas Malouf.

England endured a miserable tournament as they bowed out in the semi-finals of the Plate with the United States eventually going on to take it with a 21-14 win over Fiji in the final. The USA led 14-0 at half-time only for Fiji to claw it back to 14 apiece but it was the Eagles who had the final say with Perry Baker winning the race in a kick chase to secure the trophy.

Canada took the Bowl with a 24-5 triumph over Kenya while in the Shield Portugal stunned Samoa 19-14 thanks to a brace from Bernardo Cardoso and one from Aderito Tiny Gloria Esteves.

Standings: South Africa 59 Fiji 51 New Zealand 47 Australia 46 Argentina 40 England 37 Samoa 29 Scotland 27 USA 26 Wales 25 France 19 Canada 14 Portugal 13 Kenya 11