South Africa beat New Zealand 17-14 in the final of the South Africa 7s at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this morning.
In an emotional occasion for the Blitzbokke as South Africa comes to terms with the death of Nelson Mandela, the men in green secured their first tournament win since their triumph in Scotland last season.
But it was the Kiwis who crossed first when Scott Curry burrowed over in the second minute.
Following the conversion, they added a second with Sherwin Stowers crashing over as the Kiwis threatened to pull away.
But with the support of the Port Elizabeth crowd behind them, South Africa crossed for two quick fire tries through Branco du Preez - the second coming against six-man New Zealand who had Tim Mikkelson in the sin-bin.
South Africa pushed on and Kyle Brown's try gave them a narrow lead.
Despite New Zealand’s best efforts, they could not pin back the South Africans as they held on for a key victory.
Springboks captain Kyle Brown said despite it being a tough two days for them, they have managed to overcome it.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso
