South Africa turned on a remarkable second half performance against New Zealand to secure the 2006 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens.

In torrential rain, the Springboks raced in five unaccounted tries, including two inspiring solo efforts from replacement Tobela Mdaka, to win the opening IRB Sevens World Series tournament 31-12.

New Zealand, who last won the Emirates International Trophy in 2002, was left shell-shocked after going into the break with a 12-0 buffer and looking in complete command.

But they had no answer to the supercharged South African fight-back which was led by the jet-heeled Mdaka. The veteran came off the bench and injected the missing tonic which was lacking in the opening term.

Coach Paul Treu was delighted with the stunning win and paid tribute to his replacements.

“The guys who came off the bench really did lift us,” Treu said. “They made a tremendous difference in the second half and I could not be happier. Winning in Dubai means so much to us and it is always great to win here.”