Rugby: Sevens team's winning run falls to South African pace

New Zealand were beaten 15-7 by South Africa in the final of the Adelaide Sevens last night.

Victor Vito scored one try as the Kiwis' 47-game winning streak in the IRB series came to an end.

Gordon Tietjens' men had snuck into the final with a Zar Lawrence try in the last minute of the semifinal for a thrilling 17-14 win over Fiji.

Lawrence dived over beside the posts with 50 seconds remaining to snatch New Zealand the lead in the opening semifinal.

The semifinal was a second consecutive scare for the Kiwis after they pipped Tonga 19-14 in the quarterfinals.

In their semifinal, South Africa had beaten Samoa 17-12 in extra time.

Earlier, Fiji looked headed for an upset when they led 14-5 midway through the second half but New Zealand's fitness and composure showed through.

New Zealand opened the scoring with a Nigel Hunt try but Fiji struck back with two converted tries - to Lepani Nabuliwaqa and Emosi Vucago - to grab the half-time lead.

It was a big form turnaround for Fiji after they were beaten 34-0 by New Zealand in the Hong Kong semifinals.

Coach Josateki Savou created controversy in recent days when he claimed some key players were influenced by a former senior player not to perform at their best in Hong Kong.

Waisale Serevi acknowledged he was the player referred to but strongly denied the accusations.

- NZPA