Argentina still the sevens kings of Vancouver, while All Blacks women reign supreme
Luciano Gonzalez stars as Argentina claim fourth successive title in Canada with 19-12 win over South Africa
Argentina held off South Africa to win the men’s title and New Zealand beat Fiji to claim the women’s crown in Vancouver on Sunday, the fourth leg of rugby’s World Sevens Series.
Luciano Gonzalez scored two first-half tries and Tobias Wade crossed immediately after the break as Argentina opened a 19-0 lead over South Africa in the men’s final.
South Africa rallied with tries to Quewin Nortje and Siviwe Soyizwape before Gonzalez claimed a late turnover which helped Argentina seal a 19-12 win.
It was Argentina’s fourth successive title in Vancouver, but their first win in six finals against South Africa.
“I’m very happy, very proud of my team. All the team, all the staff and all the work we do here to finish on top,” Santiago Mare, the Argentina captain, said. “I don’t know what it is about this city and this stadium but we are very happy to stay here and play rugby here.”
Argentina’s win took them clear at the top of the season standings with 68 points, ahead of Spain with 64. Fiji and South Africa are level on 62. Spain beat Fiji 22-7 in the play-off for third.