'We gave it our all' - cheerful Blitzboks elated with Birmingham gold reward

Blitzboks stand-in captain Zain Davids said the team would leave the Commonwealth Games arena with a sense of satisfaction after playing themselves to a gold medal in the Sevens final on Sunday.

The South Africans overcame Fiji 31-7 in what was a perfect weekend for them.

"We're happy because we came out here and gave our all," Davids reflected after the win.

"We can be happy with that performance playing against a great team like Fiji."

The Blitzboks scored five tries as they crushed Fiji in a dominant performance in Birmingham. 

???? Nothing but pride!@TeamSA2024 #BestOfUs pic.twitter.com/tgCH09m5Fa

Regular captain Siviwe Soyizwapi was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament on Saturday with concussion.

"I'm probably more relieved than anything else and really proud of the boys, they put in a massive effort - not only in the final against Fiji, but all six games over the weekend," said coach Neil Powell.

Ten of the South Africans' 34 tries were scored by Angelo Davids.

"The guys really worked hard in the build-up to this tournament, and I'm glad they got rewarded for it, showing once again that although hard work doesn’t necessarily guarantee success, it’s part of success.

"For our confidence, it was important for us to deliver a good performance here, especially after what happened in London, and to get some momentum and belief back. Hopefully the belief we got from this tournament, will carry us to LA and then the RWC Sevens early in September."