/ 14 February 2011

Boks down Fiji to win USA Sevens

South Africa scored three tries in the first five minutes before going on to beat Fiji 24-14 to claim the USA Sevens on Sunday.

Cecil Afrika, Chris Dry and Branco du Preez gave the Boks a 19-0 lead at Sam Boyd Stadium before Watisoni Votu scored for Fiji in the 8th minute.

Fiji’s Matieli Nacagilevu crossed in 44th minute to make it 19-14, but Bernardo Botha’s try sealed the win for South Africa four minutes later.

Earlier, South Africa beat joint series-leader England 17-10 in the in the Cup semi-finals, while Fiji thrashed New Zealand 26-7.

Defending USA Sevens and World Series champions Samoa beat Kenya to win the Plate, while Scotland won their second Bowl of the season against Canada. Hosts the United States won the Shield with a 19-12 victory over Japan.

The win was South Africa’s first Cup title in the World Series since April 2009. England and New Zealand lead the current series by 16 points from Samoa and Fiji after four stages. South Africa are eight points further back in fifth. — Sapa-AP