The HSBC World Seven Series for 2021-22 comes down to the wire, and the winner will be decided in August in Los Angeles, as South Africa bundled their chances of winning their fourth title with a leg to spare.
The race is now between Argentina, South Africa, and Australia, with only a few points separating the teams.
The final of the London Sevens was a Trans-Tasman showdown between New Zealand and Australia.
In the eighth minute, Australia drew first blood as Henry Patterson over the whitewash. New Zealand, on the other hand, did not take it lying down, quickly gaining a 14-7 lead. Paterson, on the other hand, returned it for Australia to draw 14-14, necessitating 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