SAfrica beat NZ for Dubai Sevens title

New Zealand failed to score in a final for the first time in 19 years as South Africa powered to a 15-0 victory in the Dubai Sevens decider on Saturday.

A first-half try by captain Siviwe Soyizwapi was added to after the interval by Chris Dry and replacement Seabelo Senatla. None were converted.

Australia had earlier been beaten 19-14 in the quarter-finals by Samoa.

Having won Dubai for a record seventh time, and fourth time in the last six tournaments, The Blitzboks head to their home Cape Town Sevens next weekend leading the World Sevens Series.

Both finalists had scares in the knockout stages. South Africa scored two first-half tries then hung on to beat Argentina 12-5 in the quarter, while New Zealand beat England 19-12 in the semi-finals with a last-minute try by Salesi Rayasi.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand women won consecutive Dubai titles after beating Canada 17-14 in their final.

Australia’s women were eliminated after losing their semi to Canada 26-12.

Having beaten Spain 21-0 in their quarter-final earlier in the day, the Aussies were out to reverse last years loss to the North Americans at the same stage but conceded two second-half tries after the scores were locked at the break.

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