IRB Sevens World Series
South Africa win in Port Elizabeth
ESPN Staff
December 8, 2013
The Blitzbokke celebrate their timely success © Getty Images
Enlarge

South Africa won the Port Elizabeth leg of the HSBC World Sevens as they beat New Zealand 17-14 in the final at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

In an emotional occasion for the Blitzbokke as South Africa comes to terms with the death of Nelson Mandela, the men in green secured their first tournament win since their triumph in Scotland last season. But it was the Kiwis who crossed first when Scott Curry burrowed over in the second minute. Following the conversion, they added a second with Sherwin Stowers crashing over as the Kiwis threatened to pull away.

But with the support of the Port Elizabeth crowd behind them, South Africa crossed for two quick fire tries through Branco du Preez - the second coming against six-man New Zealand who had Tim Mikkelson in the sin-bin.

Come the second 40, South Africa pushed on and Kyle Brown's try gave them a narrow lead. Despite New Zealand's best efforts, they could not pin back the South Africans as they held on for a key victory.

Samoa secured third place in the tournament thanks to a 21-7 win over Argentina while Fiji thrashed France to win the Plate. England defeated Australia 28-19 in the Bowl while Scotland did enough to claim the Shield as they beat Canada 19-12.

Cecil Sebastian Afrika celebrates after the Blitzbokke won the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens © Getty Images
Enlarge
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices