South Africa were in stunning form in the final with Branco du Preez putting in a stellar performance, scoring two tries and contributing a haul of 18 points overall.
It was convincing win for Paul Treu’s men who scored six tries in all in a huge win over their New Zealand rivals. New Zealand rallied in the second half with three tries but it was too little too late.
South Africa’s win means that they become the fifth side to win a Series title this season, highlighting the huge competitiveness of the tournament right now.
Gordon Tietjens’ side had reached the final after beating 2011 finalists Fiji 19-14 in sudden death extra time through a David Raikuna try in the corner while it was Seabelo Senatla who dived into the opposite corner for 2011 winners South Africa against Samoa.
The defending champions narrowly beat Fiji to finish third in USA, winning 36-31 against their pacific island neighbours in one of the matches of the tournament. Leading 21-12, before trailing 31-26, Robert Lilomaiava scored to take the match to sudden death extra time, before also adding the winning try.
-IRB