South Africa have been one of the dominant forces in rugby sevens for years, often battling it out at the top of the World Series with the likes of New Zealand and Fiji.

However, silverware has been sparse for the Springboks, who have often found themselves as the bridesmaid rather than the bride.

That changed at Ibrox Stadium last night, however, as South Africa made history by becoming the first team to ever beat the All Blacks at the Commonwealth Games, picking up the gold medal in the process.

Cecil Afrika, a mainstay of the side for years, was one of the key men in their triumph in Glasgow yesterday, and he spoke to Sports Mole about the weekend, where the occasion ranks in his long list of career highlights and the advent of sevens as an Olympic sport in 2016.

Cecil, you're a Commonwealth Games gold medalist - how does that feel?
"I'm speechless at the moment. I'm really overwhelmed. We worked really hard for this gold medal and I just have to say thanks to God for providing us the Commonwealth Games."

Does being the first team to ever beat New Zealand at the Games make the success even more special?
"Obviously there is always going to be a rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand, and it can't get better [than beating them].

"In this country we want to be right up there as world number one, and hopefully we can take this forward into the Olympic Games."

You've had a long and successful career in sevens. Where does this rank amongst your highlights?
"Yeah, I think in my rugby career this is probably one of my highlights, but I also think for me personally that my ultimate accolade was to be flag bearer for South Africa in the opening ceremony. I'm really humbled for that experience."

Is this title even more important with the 2016 Olympics on the horizon?
"Yeah, obviously sevens is going to grow. The Olympics only comes every four years, and then we only get one opportunity.

"If I'm still fit enough and good enough then I'll be competing in the 2016 Olympics. Maybe I can say I was the first one to win a gold medal in the Olympics."

South Africa finished second behind New Zealand in the IRB World Series last season.