South Africa defended their title on home soil by beating current series holders New Zealand 26-17 in an enthralling final of the third round of the world sevens circuit on Sunday.
Australia saw off Argentina 34-19 for third place while the United States, coached by former England and Kenya tactician Mike Friday, stunned perennial stars Fiji 21-14 to win the Plate, or fifth place.
In the final, speedster Sherwin Stowers slid in for New Zealand's first try after a mistake by the home side.
The 'Boks hit back through a stepping Phil Snyman, playmaker Cecil Afrika crossing for his 112th try for the Blitzbokke soon after to hand South Africa a seven-point lead.
On the hooter, Afrika was shown yellow, and the Kiwis hit back to 12-10 after Joe Webber finished in the corner.
Seabelo Senatla, outstanding all weekend, scorched 50 metres for a try to open the scoring in the second period, Branco du Preez nailing a fine conversion.
Webber then stepped inside and out to keep things more than tense with five minutes left.
But then Senatla, Afrika, Kwagga Smith and Werner Kok were all involved before Smith was fed a brilliant pass to cross with 90 seconds left.
"It was an awesome game of rugby and physical to the death," said South Africa skipper Kyle Brown.
"You couldn't ask for anything more than to fight to victory on home soil."
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