LAS VEGAS (AP) — South Africa successfully defended its title in the United States round of the IRB world sevens circuit, beating series champions New Zealand 14-7 in the final.
South Africa’s victory lifted it to a one-point lead over New Zealand on overall standings after four of nine rounds. The next tournament is in New Zealand on Feb. 7-8.
Scott Curry scored a try to give New Zealand an early lead in the final but tries by Branco du Preez and Werner Kok gave South Africa its fifth-straight win over New Zealand.
South Africa conceded only 14 points in its matches at the tournament, reaching the final with a 14-0 win over 2010 and 2012 tournament champions Samoa. New Zealand beat Canada 26-7 in its semifinal.
