South Africa stunned world champions New Zealand 33-26 to win the final of the Dubai Rugby Sevens, having already defeated top seeds England in the semi-finals.

The Springboks snatched victory in a tense end-to-end match in front of 20,000 spectators with flying winger Fabian Juries scoring the winning try under the posts in the dying seconds.

Australia was thrashed 40-12 by Argentina in the Plate final after it crashed out of the main draw thanks to a 14-10 quarterfinal loss to Samoa.

Delighted South African coach Chester Williams said he hoped the victory would show doubters that rugby in his country was still strong despite a disappointing showing in last month's World Cup where they were crushed in the quarterfinals.

"The players were hungry to win this tournament," he said.

"It was also very important for us to win the tournament for our pride and honour and show that South African rugby is still alive."

South Africa had booked its place in the final by squeezing out tournament top seeds England 13-12 thanks to a last minute drop goal by Earl Rose in a tense semi-final.

New Zealand, looking for its fifth straight win in the Dubai tournament, started the game badly, going behind straight from the kick off after Tonderai Chavhanga showed great pace to open South Africa's account.

The Kiwis replied almost straight away with Craig De Goldie selling the perfect dummy to cross the line, but it was South Africa who drew the next blood with Marius Schoeman breaking from well inside his own half to run the length of the field and score in the corner.

New Zealand rallied and scored twice more before half-time through De Goldie and Tafai Ioasa to go into the break with a 19-12 lead.

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