DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — South Africa won the Dubai Sevens for the fourth straight time after defeating Ireland 21-5 in the final on Saturday.
The South Africans dominated possession in the first half and scored three converted tries to lead 21-0 at half-time. Then their defense took over and Ireland could only score once.
Their maiden victory in the rugby sevens world series put them in the lead with Australia, the winner of the opening match in Hong Kong a month ago.
Shilton van Wyk scored the first try after 20 seconds, with a dummy in his own half and a break to the posts. Van Wyk also got the second try with a scissor move and misled three defenders.
Siviwe Soyizwapi got the third try in first half stoppage time from an interception as Ireland were pressing to get back into the final. Ricardo James Duarttee converted all three.
Ireland’s only points came midway through the second half, after Jack Kelly kicked in a quick penalty.
“We lost a few tackles here and there. However, we are very happy with the defense we put up,” Soyizwapi said. “It was part of the plan and I can say that it worked.”
Both teams trailed in their semifinals.
Van Wyk also starred as South Africa beat New Zealand 26-19 from 12-0 at half time. New Zealand led 19-14 but South Africa equalized through Branco du Preez and in the last minute Van Wyk scored the winning try untouched from a ruck on the try line.
The Irish reached their second final after beating the United States 12-7 after extra time, with Mark Roche breaking cleanly behind a scrum.
Australia won the New Zealand women’s final 26-19. It was close until the second half when Australia pulled away with tries from Maddison Levi and Demi Hayes to lead 26-12.
It was his third consecutive title in Dubai.
“As our coaches say,” Madison Ashby said, “’We are the queens of the desert.’”
The series moves to Cape Town next weekend.
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