KEY POINTS:
An inexperienced New Zealand team shot to the top of the international sevens rugby standings after upsetting favourites South Africa in the George tournament final yesterday.
South Africa won last weekend's Dubai title when they beat New Zealand in the final.
However, the Gordon Tietjens-coached New Zealand with one of their most inexperienced line-ups in recent years turned the tables on the hosts 24-17 after leading 10-5 at halftime.
Tietjens said he was extremely proud of his young team and did not think they could match the South Africans after a draining 29-12 win over Fiji in the semifinal.
"I thought they emptied the tank in the semis," Tietjens said.
New Zealand captain D.J. Forbes said his team were quietly determined to go all the way.
New Zealand have now beaten last year's series winners and top seeds this year Fiji twice after eliminating them in the playoffs at Dubai last weekend.
In the final, South Africa scored first but New Zealand capitalised on their errors twice and Alfred Pelenise and Zar Lawrence darted down to give New Zealand a 10-5 lead at halftime.
South Africa looked nervous at the start of the second half and the outstanding Nigel Hunt crossed for his 13th try in two tournaments.
South Africa showed all the signs of a comeback when Philip Burger scored but Pelenise killed off their chances when he cut through the middle for his second try.
"South Africa played well throughout both tournaments and this final was based on magnificent defence by both teams. It was a great final," Tietjens said.
It was New Zealand's first win in a final since the Singapore tournament last year.
South Africa beat England to advance to the final.
STANDINGS
New Zealand 36 points
South Africa 36
England 24
Fiji 24
- NZPA
