The 2021/22 HSBC World Seven Series is down to the wire and will be decided in the Los Angeles Sevens in August, after South African bundle their chances of securing their fourth Championship with a leg to spare.
With just a few points separating the teams, the race is now between Argentina, South Africa and Australia.
In the London Sevens, it was a Trans-Tasman derby in the final as New Zealand face off with Australia.
Australia drew first blood, as Henry Patterson crossed the whitewash first in the 8th minute. New Zealand, however, did not take it lying down, racing to a 14-7 lead. But Paterson brought it back for Australia to draw 14-14 enforcing a golden point extra time.
A hat-trick for Paterson gave Australia victory, as they saw off the Kiwi’s 14-19 to be crowned London Sevens champions.
The Blitzboks had a chance to regain their series lead and secure a Championship victory, as a win against rivals Australia in the cup quarter-final was crucial. However, after a blitzing start to take a 17-0 lead within six minutes, Neil Powell’s men took their foot off the gas, as a rampant Aussie side got themselves back into the match in the second half.
With no response from the South Africans, the men from down under booked themselves a spot in the semi-final with a 21-17 victory.
In the fifth-place playoff, South Africa saw off Ireland 14-5 to secure 13 points that will take them top of the standings with 124 points. Argentina drops to third with 118 points with Australia in second with 122 points.
SCENES IN LONDON!! 🙌@Aussie7s wins gold after a dramatic Extra-Time winner from Henry Paterson! 👏#HSBC7s | #London7s pic.twitter.com/RNVgPIbj5L
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) May 29, 2022
