South Africa beat Fiji 31-19 in the Cup semi-finals of the Vancouver Sevens to book a final meeting against New Zealand.

South Africa prevailed against a Fiji side who had to go to extra time to win their quarter-final against the USA, while the Kiwis defeated Australia 28-19 in the second semi-final.

Two tries by playmaker Justin Geduld pushed the Blitzboks out to a comfortable 12-0 lead early in the first half, despite Ruhan Nel receiving a yellow card for an early tackle.

Fiji were starved of possession, but scored two breakaway tries through Masivesi Dakuwaga and Kitione Taliga to draw level just before the break to set up an exciting second half.

Nel made up for his earlier ill-discipline with a well-worked team try soon after the restart, but poor defence from the ensuing kick-off saw Tagila race clear to level matters again.

The Blitzboks, however, took control of the game thereafter thanks to two superb solo efforts from Seabelo Senatla and Cecil Afrika to progress to their first Cup final since the Wellington Sevens.

Photo: Don MacKinnon/AFP Photo