After cruising to a 14-0 victory over the 2010 and 2012 champions Samoa in the semi-finals, South Africa dug deep to overcome New Zealand 14-7 and secure their second successive tournament title this season.

Scott Curry gave New Zealand the lead in a bruising final at the Sam Boyd Stadium, but tries by Branco du Preez and Werner Kok were enough to seal the South Africans' title defence as they conceded just 14 points en route to their victory.

New Zealand booked their place in the final,  a repeat of the 2013 USA Sevens final, by coming from 7-0 behind to beat Canada, appearing in only their second Cup semi-final, 26-7.

South Africa came back from 7-0 down to beat New Zealand 14-7 in the USA Sevens Cup Final ©IRB



Following the defeat, Canada went on to finish third, their highest-ever finish at a World Series event, after recording another remarkable comeback against Samoa.

After finding themselves 19-0 down early in the second half, the Canadian side went on the rampage, scoring 22 straight points, including a last-minute penalty drop goal, to win the match and secure 17 Series points.

England ensured they stayed within touching distance of the Series frontrunners with a 26-24 victory over Australia in the Plate final.

Eleven points from top scorer Tom Mitchell was enough to see them edge the Aussies in a gruelling encounter following a 21-12 semi-final victory over France.

Australia booked their place in the final with a sudden death extra-time try from Peter Schuster after their encounter with Argentina had ended 19-19 in the 14 minutes of normal time.

England ensured they were within touching distance of the Series frontrunners with victory in the Plate final ©IRB/Martin Seras Lima



Five different try scorers crossed the line for Fiji as they beat Kenya 35-0 in the final of the Bowl.

Having been knocked out of the Cup, much to the disappointment of coach Ben Ryan, Fiji came out firing on the third and final day and beat Wales 40-12 in their semi-final with six different players scoring.

In the other semi-final Kenya, came from 7-0 behind to reach the Bowl final after tries from Dennis Ombachi, Billy Odhiambo and Collins Injera secured a 21-7 win against Scotland.

Hosts United States gave the home crowds a reason to cheer on the final day of competition with victory over Spain in the Shield final.

A 28-14 win over Uruguay in the semis was followed by a 31-0 thumping of Spain to give the hosts some much-needed Series points.

Spain booked their place in the final with a 19-12 victory over neighbours Portugal, whose first day win over Uruguay must have felt like a life-time ago.

The teams will next travel to Wellington, New Zealand for round five of the HSBC Sevens World Series, which is due to take place on February 7 and 8.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
January 2014: Canada pull off shock comeback to reach USA Sevens rugby semi-final in Las Vegas
January 2014: Defending champions South Africa get off to best possible start at USA Sevens in Las Vegas
January 2014: Defending champions South Africa look to bag second win of season in World Sevens Series
January 2014: Wales Sevens coach John steps down to take up role with Cardiff Blues
December 2013: Inspired South Africa seal World Sevens Series title with dramatic comeback