Petrus Engelbrecht of South Africa tries to break the tackle of Ardie Savea of New Zealand in a clash in So Kon Po
The Kiwi side appears set to cruise to their 10th IRB world sevens series win in 13 years after downing South Africa on Sunday, to advance to the semifinals of the final leg of the championship at Twickenham.
The New Zealanders needed only one more win to be assured of clinching the crown after victories over Russia, Kenya and Argentina on Saturday.
The men in black had looked vulnerable during their win over Argentina, trailing 10-0 before recovering to win 15-10.
But the New Zealanders came roaring back on Sunday morning against South Africa, romping home in style to reach the last four after the opening quarter-final in the cup competition.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” New Zealand’s long-serving coach Gordon Tietjens said.
“I was worried last night because we played very sketchily against Argentina. I woke up at four o’clock this morning and didn’t get back to sleep — but we played very well today. We’re very happy.” — Sapa