All Blacks Sevens beaten by South Africa in Dubai final

Tim Mikkelson of the All Blacks Sevens is tackled by South Africa's Kwagga Smith during the final of the Dubai Sevens overnight (NZT). Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealand have been punished for a slow start, beaten 24-12 by defending champions South Africa at the World Sevens Series opening tournament in Dubai.

The Kiwis had remained unbeaten in pool play and through the quarter and semi- finals at the season-opening Dubai Sevens, but never really recovered from a storming South African start in the final.

Rosko Specman, Seabelo Senatla and Kwagga Smith crossed to give the Blitzboks a 19-0 half-time lead before the All Blacks Sevens staged a valiant second-half rally.

Chasing their first tournament win since Vancouver in 2016, the New Zealanders clawed their way back with tries to Scott Curry and Andrew Knewstubb after Specman was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock on.

South African players celebrate their win at the Dubai sevens tournament overnight (NZT). Photo / AP.

But at 19-12, and with 13 seconds left on the clock, Tim Agaba closed the game out with South Africa's fourth try of the night.

The Kiwis had earned a spot in the final after downing England 14-5 in the semis, battling back from a 5-0 half-time deficit.

A Joe Ravouvou double secured the win for the All Blacks Sevens, who had earlier edged Kenya 14-12 in the quarter-finals.

The Kiwis went unbeaten in pool play, downing Samoa 24-12, Argentina 21-19 and the United States 22-12.

The second World Series tournament begins next weekend in Cape Town.