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South Africa reverted to forward power to claw back a 0-14 deficit and beat Fiji 24-14 to win their second London Sevens title.

The win, remarkably by the same score as the victory over Fiji in Las Vegas in February, turned around the 7-12 loss in pool play and drew them level with England's 13 alltime victories. New Zealand (41) and Fiji (with 16) remain ahead in the record books.

But the somewhat conservative display, featuring rolling mauls to shut down the physical Fijians, was an unusual way to move into third place on the HSBC Sevens World Series.

"It didn't start off as well as we wanted this weekend but we stuck to the plan in the final and it paid off in the end," said captain Kyle Brown.

Fiji went up early with a try to Watisoni Votu before Livai Ikanikoda, one of four new players, put in a kick-and-chase for Fiji's second. Boom Prinsloo pulled one back for the Bokke and with Brown and playmaker Cecil Afrika in outstanding form, South Africa gradually got on top.

Bernardo Botha went over for the Bokke to trail 10-14 at halftime and scored again at the start of the second period to take the lead, which was extended with Afrika's conversion. When Steven Hunt went over from a lineout drive the title, their first in London since 2005, was sealed in front of a record crowd.

Brown said the crowd - 100,094 over the two days - was "fantastic".

"The sun was with us in patches today but the crowd brought the sunshine and there was a lot of noise and support for us."

Boom Times in Bokke Semi

Prinsloo had scored twice in South Arica's 21-19 win over Wales, playing in their first semi-final of the season, but their second consecutive Twickenham final was not a certainty when Kristian Phillips scored at the death. Gareth Davies missed a wide-angle conversion that would have sent the match into extra time.

"It's a massive positive and we were pleased with the performance overall but we were disappointed not to win," said Welsh coach Paul John. "We couldn't get our hands on the ball for the first half and when we did we got back in it showed what we could do. We're making steps and getting better and better each tournament the boys can be proud of what they have done on the weekend, but they're not content with that which is good."

John said the tournament was full of excellent teams and difficult games.

"Anybody can beat anybody else on their day so there is no such thing as an easy game. It's great for the viewers but a nightmare for a coach!"

Earlier, Afrika grabbed two tries as the Bokke shut our defending champions Australia 17-0 with the dreadlocked star taking his season tally to 36, well clear of Jerry Buroto (Fiji) and Frank Halai (New Zealand) on 29.

Fiji put newly-crowned World Series champion New Zealand to the sword winning 42-19 after beating Pacific rivals Samoa 26-14 in the quarterfinal. Their experienced forwards, led by Army officer Dale Tonawai, set the platform for a new crop of talent including debutant playmaker Metuisela Talebula and will give recalled coach Josateki Savou confidence heading to Edinburgh.

NEw Zealand win Series Again

But despite suffering at the hands of Fiji, their biggest loss in four years, it was a triumpant day at Twickenham for coach Gordon Tietjens who claimed his ninth title in the 12-year history of the circuit. Fiji, South Africa and Samoa are the only other teams to win the series.

"We're obviously really happy to win the world series like we have and the players can be proud of themselves," said the veteran coach. "I've never really thought about nine world series as it's a great feeling to win any title."

New Zealand's title was their first since 2008 and Tietjens reiterated that the circuit was tougher than ever.

"There's no easy teams in this tournament now as we saw yesterday and today with England, who are a very good side, losing to France and Kenya."

Samoa, Scots and Hosts Win Minor Money
Samoa deservedly beat Australia 22-12 in the Plate final, leading all the way and scoring four tries including two to speedster Tom Iosefo who finished the weekend as the leading scorer with 10.

"We came here today to improve our status but our quarterfinal didn't go our way and credit to Fiji who are playing well," said Samoan coach Stephen Betham, who relinquishes the IRB crown. "I take my hat off to the new boys for the effort today, they played well and the more games the play the better they will get."

In the Bowl final Scotland beat Kenya 21-19 in a nailbiter after leading 7-5 at halftime but trailing 14-19 with less than a minute to play. Veteran Andrew Turnbull scored the late try with Peter Horne landing the conversion to give the Scots, who earlier beat Portugal 26-0 and Spain 19-17, some silverware.

"We knew we were going to be in for a really tough game and it was great for the guys to have the belief to come through," said coach Graham Shiel. "It was a fantastic finish and a great way to round off the weekend. We played well in five out of six games and it's a big step forward for us."

England, who had hopes of claiming a home title, were left with just the Shield after losing 17-19 to Kenya early in the day. Dan Norton scored two tries as the hosts beat Portugal 22-7 in the Shield final.

Norton finished the tournament with eight tries, two behind Samoa's Iosefo.

HSBC Sevens World Series
New Zealand 150
England 121
South Africa 116
Samoa 112
Fiji 110
Australia 60
Wales 46
Argentina 38
Kenya 12
Scotland 12
United States 10
Portugal 8
Russia 8
France 6
Canada 5

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