Blitzboks successfully defend title in PE to lead Series

– South Africa win Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens
– Blitzboks also lead HSBC Sevens World Series after three rounds
– Draw made for round 4 in New Zealand

South Africa won their second successive Cup title of the HSBC Sevens World Series, beating New Zealand 26-17 to also defend their Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens title.

In doing so Neil Powell’s side overtook Fiji, who finished sixth in Port Elizabeth, in the race to secure the top four places on the Series and qualify directly for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Philip Snyman, Cecil Afrika, Seabelo Senatla and Kwagga Smith all scored in the final and continued their impressive form on home soil, with the win meaning the Blitzboks now have 59 points.

New Zealand, appearing in their first Cup final of the season came up short against South Africa for a second successive year, despite taking an early lead and Joe Webber’s two tries, but are now third in the standings 12 points behind Neil Powell’s side.

Fiji, who lost to USA in the Plate final slip down to second, eight points adrift, while Australia complete the top four on 46 points with the season now a third of the way through as the road to Rio heats up.

– FULL ROUND-UP, RESULTS & REACTION >>

– SERIES STANDINGS (after 3 rounds) >>

Pool draw made for round 4 in New Zealand

The South African champions will face, USA, France and Japan in Pool A in Wellington in February, while England, Canada and the non-core side Papua New Guinea await runners-up New Zealand.

Australia top Pool C and face Fiji, who they beat in Dubai and Port Elizabeth, Wales and Portugal, with Pool D consisting of Argentina, Scotland, Kenya and Samoa.