South Africa wins

IRB - Sunday, April 06, 2008 9:45 PM

SOUTH Africa have done what no side has been able to do this season and beaten defending series champions New Zealand in the Final of the Fairmont Homes Adelaide Sevens.

Fabian Juries scored twice in the final to give the Boks the edge as they ground out a hard-fought 15-7 win to consolidate their position as second in the IRB Sevens World Series.

Tonga win Plate

Tonga recovered from the disappointment of their slender loss to New Zealand in the Cup quarter finals by holding on in the face of a late Kenya rally to take the Plate title in Adelaide and eight points towards the Series.

The Tongans, who were outstanding throughout the tournament, took an early lead through Peasipa Moimoi and although Peter Ocholla pulled one back for the Kenyans to level at 7-7, Ualosi Kailea scored just before the break. Crucially Poteki made both conversions for the islanders for a seven-point lead.

In the second half Collins Injera scored out wide for the increasingly professional and polished African side but the conversion went wide and Tonga held on in the dying seconds to protect their two-point lead and seal victory.

They earlier won through to the final with respective victories over Australia and the Cook Islands.

Argentina take Bowl title

Argentina won a superb exhibition of running rugby against the USA to land the bowl title in Adelaide.

The Pumas led 12-7 at the break, Bruzzone and del Busto scoring one apiece to Malifa's effort for the States. Santiago Gomez Cora touched down for his 191st career try to stretch the lead but first Jone Naqica and then Todd Clever scored to edge the USA ahead.

In a breathless finale Gabriel Ascarate crossed to give Argentina the title, and two points for the World Series.

Wales win Shield

Captain Phil Mack scored a first half try for Canada, who then enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territory and looked to have the game in the bag before Richie Pugh broke clear on the final hooter to run 60 metres and score under the posts and level the match.

In a breathless sudden death extra time James Lewis latched on to wide ball and take the spoils for Wales.

Canada had earlier seen off the challenge of Japan, while Wales beat England, who went without a single win for the first time ever in an IRB Sevens event.