Fiji defeated the Blitzboks 12-10 in a hard-fought final at Bankwest Stadium to earn their maiden Sydney Sevens triumph.

Napolioni Bolaca went over for the opening try for the Fijians before JC Pretorius cut the deficit shortly after.

After Bolaca's second try of the final had extended Fiji's advantage, Zain Davids gave South Africa hope by crossing over but his namesake Selvyn was unable to convert, leaving his side two points short.

Fiji's stout defence held on to ensure they claimed maximum points from the Sydney Sevens tournament.

Victory also marked the second time Fiji had beaten their South African rivals in the space of a week after they won the ninth-place playoff between the two sides in Hamilton in New Zealand.

Fiji have moved up to fifth in the overall standings following today's success and they trail leaders New Zealand by 23 points.

"Before we entered the field the message I told my team was just to go out there, enjoy it and do the job," said Fiji captain Meli Derenalagi.

"We delivered that and I want to thank the soldiers behind me for that great effort you saw here today.

"Shout out to all the fans here in Sydney for coming out in numbers and for supporting your national team - this win is for you too."

The United States took bronze at the event, briefly postponed because of thunderstorms in Sydney, following a 17-10 victory over England.