/ 12 December 1999

KIWIS THRASH SA

SOUTH Africa were thrashed 26-0 by New Zealand in the semifinal of the IRB World Sevens Series tournament in Stellenbosch on Saturday, but the Kiwis lost in the final to Fiji.

The South Africans started well, but could not keep up the pace against the Kiwis and when skipper Eric Rush scoired on the stroke of half-time, the floodgates opened.

In the final, Fiji outclassed the Kiwis to win 12-10.

The Fijians went into the lead early, but the Kiwis countered and went into a half-time lead.

But Fiji rallied after the break, clinched the match.