Blitzboks were denied their fourth successive Cape Town Sevens title in South Africa and could not build on last week’s success in Dubai.
The home team scored first courtesy of Chris Dry who showed a clean pair of heels which sent the crowd into raptures.
However, the English came back strong scoring two tries in quick succession to lead 12-5 at the break.
The Blitzboks struck back early in the second half courtesy of a chip and chase by Rosco Specman to level matters at 12 apiece.
England retook the lead after piling on the pressure to take the lead 19-12, displaying their superb attitude which has been a feature of their Day 2 performance.
In a dramatic twist, England received a yellow card, the home team soon made their numerical advantage count as they scored in the last move of the game; Werner Kok was the try scorer.
Unfortunately, it was not to be for the Blitzboks as Justin Geduld failed to convert a tough conversion from the corner.
England took the honours 19-17 as they remain a tricky side for the impressive but ultimately disappointed Blitzboks.
