Blitzboks lose final at the death

Scotland’s Dougie Fife scored two tries in the final two minutes as they snatched a thrilling 27-26 victory over South Africa to claim their first World Sevens Cup at Twickenham on Sunday.

LONDON – Scotland’s Dougie Fife scored two tries in the final two minutes as they snatched a thrilling 27-26 victory over South Africa to claim their first World Sevens Cup at Twickenham on Sunday.

With the clock ticking down, the Scots looked beaten as they trailed 21-10 and then 26-15 with 30 seconds left.

But James Fleming started the revival and, after Rosko Specman appeared to secure a Blitzbok victory, two moments of last-gasp magic from Fife won Scotland the London Sevens title in their first appearance in the final.

“We were a long way behind in the final, but the boys stuck on task and we managed to get over the line at the end,” said Scotland captain Scott Wight. “It took a massive amount of effort and I’m honoured to say I’m captain of this side.”

Fiji – who lost 26-21 to the Blitzboks in the Cup semi-final – came fourth after losing 26-19 to the United States in the third-place playoff.

But they go into this year’s Rio Olympics as World Series champions and top seeds, having secured enough points on Saturday. It was their second straight world title.

South Africa and New Zealand finished second and third in the standings behind Fiji to claim a top-three Olympic seeding.

Hosts England, who topped their pool on Saturday, had a disappointing day, losing 17-0 to Scotland in the Cup quarter-finals and 35-10 to New Zealand in the Plate semi-finals.

“We’re devastated, playing on our home turf and the quality we had in our side. Against Scotland, we just didn’t get in the game,” said England’s Phil Burgess.

New Zealand beat Argentina 29-14 in the Plate final, while Wales won the Bowl final with a 24-19 victory over Australia. Kenya beat Russia 31-7 to claim the Shield final. – Reuters