Samoa defeated New Zealand in a thrilling 12-7 win to claim the gold medal at the HSBC World Rugby Cape Town 7s today.
This was Samoa’s return to the top of the podium after six years, last winning a tournament on the circuit at the Paris 7s in 2016.
An evenly matched affair, but it was the islanders in blue who got the better of their counterparts who they beaten consecutively in two tournaments.
Samoan winger Faafoi Falaniko came away with the only points from either side in the first half with hard earned try.
Brady Rush struck back in the 10th minute with a superb try which was converted by Tepaea Savage.
Both teams tussled to the final whistle but it was the skillful Vaa Apelu Maliko who would break Kiwi hearts on the 14 minute mark to break through to score with Falanko converting the try for the icing on top of the cake.
Meanwhile USA beat hosts South Africa 22-14 to claim the bronze medal.
