DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) South Africa heads to its home rugby sevens event leading the world series after beating Fiji 26-14 in the Dubai final on Saturday.
The Blitzboks started better through tries to Cecil Afrika and Branco du Preez, and defending champion Fiji replied thanks to captain Osea Kolinisau before halftime.
Jerry Tuwai's converted try from the second-half kickoff leveled the score, but not for long. Fiji dropped a pass on its own 40-meter line, du Preez collected the ball and sent Chris Dry tearing away on the right wing. Seabelo Senatla's 11th try of the tournament, from Rosko Specman's kick ahead, ensured South Africa won the opening tournament before heading to the Cape Town Sevens next weekend.
The South Africans were impressive on day two. They handed New Zealand its second worst defeat, 40-0, in the quarterfinals, and routed Wales 36-5 in the semifinals.
''Towards the final we were hitting our stride,'' South Africa captain Philip Snyman said.
England was third after beating Wales 38-10.
