The Blitzboks secured a third title of the season as they cruised to a 29-14 win over Australia in the final of the Sydney Sevens. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Appearing in their fourth final from as many events, the Blitzboks headed into Sunday's clash as favourites, but England would have had reason to be confident after beating the Springbok Sevens on day one.

England had also managed to get the better of the Blitzboks in the final of the Cape Town Sevens last December, which is now the only tournament they have failed to win this season.

Although the Blitzboks displayed some indifferent form on day one in Sydney, they built up some healthy momentum on Sunday, with good wins over the USA and Australia enabling them to progress to yet another final.

They continued to ride that wave of momentum as captain Philip Snyman finished off a well-worked move within the opening minute of play, while Seabelo Senatla then put on his dancing shoes to ghost past a couple of defenders and score a superb try.

At the stage it looked as if the Blitzboks would take a handy 12-0 into the break, but they pounced on an error from England as Justin Geduld dotted down with the final play of the half to send his side into an effectively unassailable 19-0 lead.

Again, the Blitzboks' abrasive defence was a feature of their play as they dominated the breakdown and repeatedly held up the England ball carriers in the tackle. Indeed, having won a turnover as a result of this strong defence, the Blitzboks then recycled possession before Geduld went over to score his second try soon after the restart.

Tom Mitchell and Dan Norton did score towards the end of the clash to add some respectability to the scoreline for England, but in between, Stephan Dippenaar went over for the Blitzboks' fifth try in the title decider.

The result sees the Blitzboks extend their healthy lead at the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series, and they now look increasingly well-placed to win their first title since the 2008-09 season.

Photo: Peter Parks/AFP Photo