The Blitzboks beat Scotland 15-5 in the final to win the Paris Sevens tournament and clinch the World Rugby Sevens Series title.

South Africa secured the Sevens Series title earlier in the day. After beating Samoa in their quarter-final, they were done a favour when Scotland downed England. With that defeat, England bowed out of the Sevens Series title race.

South Africa cannot be caught at the top of the table, regardless of what transpires in the final leg of the series in London. Not since the 2008-09 season have the Blitzboks managed to claim the overall title.

Scotland may have fancied an upset in the final, after beating the Blitzboks in the pool stage. They may have felt they had a chance, given that South Africa had nothing to prove.

But the Blitzboks controlled the game from start to finish. They took a 10-0 lead into half-time, and then scored their third try after the break to take the game, and the title, away from the Scots.

'We are extremely grateful and blessed, the team worked for this for three seasons,' said Blitzboks coach Neil Powell of their Sevens Series triumph. 'Last year we came close, but this time we managed to do it. I have to give the guys credit, they are an incredible group that never feared hard work and they deserve this.'

Powell became the first person to win the Sevens Series as a player and as a coach.

'I am much more relieved now than in 2009 when I was a player,' he said. 'Back then I was just happy to win it, this time there is huge relief.

'We are not finished, though, we want to finish the series strong next week in London and keep chasing that perfect game. We have high standards and keep pushing to improve as a squad.'

All the Paris Sevens fixtures and results

Photo: World Rugby