South Africa win home leg of World Rugby Sevens Series for third consecutive year

South Africa have now earned three straight wins in front of their home crowd ©World Rugby

South Africa won their home leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series for the third year in a row after overcoming Argentina 29-14 in the final in Cape Town today.

The host nation began the day in stunning style as they earned a dominant victory over Australia, who had entered the quarter-final clash fresh frpm three straight victories in the pool phase of the competition yesterday.

Justin Geduld, Seabelo Senatla and Philip Snyman ran in tries for the hosts in the opening half to leave a stunned Australia trailing 15-5 at the break, and they were unable to bounce back as Albertus Smith and Juan Leon De Jongh scored further tries to give South Africa a 25-5 winning margin.

Following the quarter-final demolition, South Africa faced a last four tie with France, who had surprisingly beaten last week’s winners Fiji 17-15 in a closely fought encounter.

France were unable to repeat their heroics against the home side, who were roared into the final by a partisan crowd at the Cape Town Stadium as they eventually prevailed 21-14.

A weekend of surprises had continued as Argentina progressed in the second half of the draw to book their place in a first final since 2009.

They had opened with a 22-19 victory over New Zealand in the quarter-final, before inflicting a first defeat on the Kenyan team, who knocked out the United States in the quarters, in the last four by winning a thrilling contest 24-22.

Despite the South Americans being able to give South Africa a significant test in the opening half by only trailing by three points at the half-time whistle, the hosts pulled away in the second half of the contest.

Senatla and Ryno Benjamin ran in tries to help their team secure a comfortable 29-14 victory.

Argentina reached their first final since 2009 but were unable to defeat the hosts ©World Rugby

“The guys decided after yesterday to pull together and start playing rugby,” said Neil Powell, South Africa’s coach.

“I'm really proud of them today, you have to work for everything, nothing is given to us and Argentina put us under lots of pressure.

“A big thank you to the support here in Cape Town as well."

France earned a 28-26 victory over an improving Kenyan side in the third place play-off, while Fiji defeated the US 29-19 in the Plate Final.

Meanwhile, Scotland powered past England to win the bowl competition 19-0, with Samoa taking the shield 40-5 against Russia.

After the opening two legs of the series Fiji and South Africa are tied at the top of the standings on 35 points, with the US and Argentina lying on 29.