LONDON • Scotland won their first World Rugby Sevens Series crown as they defeated South Africa 27-26 at Twickenham on Sunday.

The Scots had never been to a Sevens Series final before and looked destined for defeat when they trailed 15-26 in the closing stages.

But two late tries scored by Dougie Fife, with the second coming after time had expired, delivered a historic success for Calum McRae's team.

They set up the showdown with the Blitzboks earlier in the day in similar fashion as another pair of late scores from Fife in the semi-final saw off the United States, who had won at Twickenham 12 months earlier.

Fife said: "It's an unbelievable feeling. This team have come a long way. We truly believe we can beat anyone on our day and today we showed that. I think we surprised a few people."

Fiji, who lost to South Africa in the last four, had already been confirmed as the overall winners of the series, meaning they successfully defended their title.

South Africa and New Zealand finished second and third in the standings behind Fiji to claim a top-three Olympic seeding.

Hosts England, who topped their pool on Saturday, had a disappointing day, losing 0-17 to Scotland in the Cup quarter-finals and 10-35 to New Zealand in the Plate semi-finals.

"We're devastated, playing on our home turf and the quality we had in our side. Against Scotland, we just didn't get in the game," said England's Phil Burgess.

New Zealand beat Argentina 29-14 in the Plate final, while Wales won the Bowl final with a 24-19 victory over Australia. Kenya beat Russia 31-7 to claim the Shield.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE