Ngarohi McGarvey-Black's try with three minutes to play to give New Zealand a 7-5 victory at the Cape Town Stadium.

South Africa had started the better of the two sides and Justin Geduld received a pass from Seabelo Senatla to score the opening try.

The Blitzboks were unable to build on their advantage, however, and New Zealand made them pay late on as McGarvey-Black went over.

The result saw New Zealand get revenge for the 15-0 defeat they suffered to South Africa in the final of the season-opener in Dubai last weekend.

"We knew it was going to be a tough fight and nil all at half-time I guess is fitting for a crowd like this," said New Zealand co-captain Scott Curry said.

"Cape Town has really turned it on and the support here is amazing - we really appreciate it and all the support back home has been massive.

"It doesn’t get much better than that, playing South Africa in front of a home crowd with over 50,000 fans roaring the national anthem. 

"It’s hard not to get inspired by that, even as a Kiwi."

France claimed the bronze medal in dramatic fashion with Tavite Veredamu's try in sudden-death extra-time earning a 29-24 victory over Fiji. 

New Zealand moved top of the overall standings on 41 points after two events, with South Africa second on the same total.

The Series resumes in Hamilton in New Zealand from January 25 to 26.