CAPE TOWN 7S: England crowned champions
It was a missed conversion at the death that handed the title to the hard-working England team.
South Africa retained their place at the top of the World Series standings, but England moved into second place and closed the gap to just two points – finishing the first two rounds on 39, behind the BlitzbBoks (41), but ahead of Fiji (32), Scotland and New Zelaand (both 27).
England captain Tom Mitchell, who was outstanding in the Cup Final, said it was a tough tournament.
"To back up last weekend, I am so proud of the boys," he said.
"We trained all year and this makes it all worth it.
"We were a bit disappointed last weekend and we wanted to put it right.
"It's been a bumpy road but it always is. It was a pleasure to play in this stadium."
Like in the semifinal, the BlizBoks made a nervous start. But they were soon into their rhythm and Chris Dry finished off brilliant set-piece move.
England countered with a long-range, well-worked try by Richard de Carpentier – the conversion giving England the lead – 7-5.
That was followed by another England team try, as they kept working it through the phases until the BlitzBoks ran out of defenders.
England took that 12-5 lead into the half-time break.
A brilliant kick-and-chase by Rosco Spekman allowed the BlitzBoks straight back into the game after the break.
England now employed the kick-and-chase, but the bounce was not as favourable for them – although they did win a scrum feed inside the South African 22-metre area.
And from there Ruaridh McConnochie went over after England again worked their opponents from side-to-side.
The BlitzBoks were not done and after Dan Norton was yellow carded for two high tackles in quick succession, they worked the ball to the left where Werner Kok went over – leaving Justin Geduld a touchline conversion to draw level.
It was wide and England were crowned champions – – 19-17.
Bronze medal – New Zealand 24-19 Scotland
It was a beautiful running line from captain Scott Riddell that set up the first score, the support came courtesy of Dougie Fife. The conversion from Scott Wight was perfect and Scotland, who haven't beaten New Zealand in 34 attempts, were seven points in front.
Junior Ngaluafe picked out Dylan Collier on the outside and with the Scotland defence a little narrow, Collier put the All Blacks Sevens on the scoreboard.
The Scots went ahead again through George Horne, but Tim Mikkelson levelled the scores after the half-time hooter and Rocky Khan's conversion put New Zealand ahead.
Antonio Kiri Kiri kicked for the line to put New Zealand in front, but Scotland again showed a huge amount of heart and James Fleming's 89th Sevens Series try under the posts and conversion saw the teams deadlocked at 19-all.
The game ended with a score in the corner by Jonathan Ruru, with 24 seconds on the clock – earning bronze for New Zealand.
Fifth-place play-off – Kenya 21-33 Fiji:
Kenya kicked themselves for failing to control a line-out and the Olympic champions punished them, courtesy of Sevuloni Mocenacagi.
But Kenya responded decisively. It was a proud moment for Willy Ambaka as he ran in his 75th Sevens Series try.
Jerry Tuwai had too much acceleration for Kenya's defence and took his tally to the weekend to five.
However, Kenya just would not go quietly and Nelson Oyoo lead their charge until Kitione Taliga offloaded brilliantly to Nemani Nagusa – a score that ended the Kenyan challenge.
Trophy Final – Argentina 7-19 France:
Jeremy Aicardi broke the deadlock in the Trophy Final, which will determine who finishes ninth at the Cape Town Sevens.
Franco Sabato responded for Los Pumas Sevens and the conversion from Fernando Luna face Argentina a half-time lead.
Stephen Parez wrapped up the Trophy Final as well as ninth place and 13 points at the Cape Town Sevens.
Thirteenth place play-off – Uganda 10-19 Canada:
Adam Zaruba was sent to the bin within seconds of the start of Canada's 13th place semifinal, but he made up for it with his team's first try. The influential Justin Douglas scored a second.
Kevin Kermundu launched a precision pass with his boot across the field that Cristiano Ronaldo would have been proud of. The bounce is kind for Lawrence Sebuliba and Uganda cut the deficit to two points. They had to see out most of the match with six players, though – Philip Wokorach was sent to the sin-bin, while Luke McCloskey scored his first-ever Sevens Series try.
Source: @WorldRugby7s
