New Zealand outplayed Fiji in a thrilling final to take first place at the Hong Kong Sevens, while the Blitzboks ended in sixth after a wet-weather fifth-place playoff against Argentina.

After taking a 24-7 lead into half-time, New Zealand held out against a sensational comeback effort from Fiji to claim the Hong Kong title for the first time since 2014.

🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿@nz_sevens win their first men's title at #HK7s since 2014!#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/Ga7q3yxLQK

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) April 2, 2023

It is New Zealand’s third tournament win of the season and further cements their position at the top of the overall standings going into next weekend’s tournament in Singapore.

Meanwhile, despite a much-improved effort, a young Blitzboks team failed to secure fifth place in a tough playoff against Argentina. Wet conditions earlier on Sunday made handling the ball a nightmare and both teams opted for a kick-and-chase strategy as a result.

After being deadlocked at 0-0 at the break, Argentina fired the first blow and while the Blitzboks struck back through a last gasp try from Ricardo Duarttee, the South Africans ran out of time.

"Talk about using your head" 😅@LosPumas7s showing off their football skills in style!#HSBC7s | #HK7s pic.twitter.com/FDJU82VPCq

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) April 2, 2023

By finishing in sixth place in Hong Kong, the Springbok Sevens side picked up 12 log points, which has seen them climb from seventh to fifth on the overall table and close in on their target of Olympic Games qualification.