Australia have claimed their first men’s sevens World Series title since 2012, beating South Africa 29-0 in a brilliant Sydney 7s final.
Australia broke the game open with two tries in the shadows of halftime on Sunday, the second coming via James Stannard from kick-off after the siren to build a 14-0 lead.
Stannard followed that up with a sensational running grubber kick, dived on by John Porch after he had made the initial barging break.
Ben O’Donnell then continued the carnage with two tries on the left flank as Australia’s dream night was completed against the pre-game favourites.
The hosts broke down the left wing to create the first try, with Lewis Holland putting the ball under his arm and absorbing two tackles before crossing.
Earlier, South Africa’s Rosko Specman was denied the opener while diving for the corner after being ruled to have put a foot out an instant before grounding the ball.
It is a major breakthrough for a side that had earmarked the Sydney tournament, as well as April’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, as ones to win.
In the midst of his final season, Stannard said his teammates were no longer doubting themselves.
“In previous tournaments we wanted to go out and win, but I don’t think we really thought we could do it,” he said before the match.
“I think we’d just had enough of coming second or losing …
“It’d be great to win a tournament regardless if it’s my last. There’s still more tournaments to come and I want to win a lot more than just this.”