Blitzboks Move to Semi-Finals After Narrow Win Over Australia
The Springbok Sevens team secured a thrilling 17-14 victory over Australia in the quarter-finals of the HSBC SVNS Vancouver, punching their ticket to the semi-finals.
They’ll face Fiji at 22:52 (SA time) on Sunday for a shot at the final.
For the latest rugby updates, be sure to check out The South African website’s dedicated section for all the free-to-read news.
Spain and Argentina will also battle it out in the other semi-final, which will take place at BC Place on the final day of the tournament.
South Africa’s Road to the Quarter-Finals
In a bit of an unusual twist, South Africa found themselves playing Australia twice on the second day in Vancouver.
This was after the Aussies edged the Blitzboks in their final Pool B match earlier in the day, securing a “golden try” in extra time to seal a playoff spot.
But in the quarter-final rematch, the Blitzboks were much sharper and more efficient.
They came out firing in the first half, bagging three tries to take a commanding 17-0 lead.
Despite a strong comeback from Australia in the final minutes, South Africa’s defence held firm to clinch a well-earned victory.
A Fast Start for the Blitzboks
The match kicked off in spectacular fashion for the Blitzboks.
Ronald Brown wasted no time, scoring in the first minute.
But it was the relentless South African defence that truly stood out.
Ryan Oosthuizen added another try four minutes later, and Shilton van Wyk completed a beautiful team effort, scoring after receiving a slick inside pass from Selvyn Davids.
As in their earlier pool match, Australia found their stride toward the end.
With South Africa down to six men due to a yellow card, Australia scored twice in the final three minutes.
However, it was too little, too late, and the Blitzboks held on for the win.
Pool Match Drama
Earlier in the day, the two teams had been locked in a dramatic pool match.
Australia scored the golden try just two minutes into extra time, after a tense 12-12 draw at the end of regular time.
The Blitzboks got off to a strong start with Impi Visser scoring the opening try.
But Australia responded with a try from Henry Hutchison to level things up at halftime.
In the dying moments of normal time, Australia took the lead, but Shilton van Wyk found the corner to equalize, and Tristan Leyds converted to force the game into extra time.
Australia eventually sealed the win with the golden try, but despite the loss, South Africa topped Pool B. New Zealand finished second, and Australia finished third.
The Blitzboks advanced to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed finishers.
Quarter-Final Scorers:
- South Africa: Tries: Ronald Brown, Ryan Oosthuizen, Shilton van Wyk.
- Conversion: Tristan Leyds
- Australia: Tries: Ben Dowling, Josh Turner.
- Conversions: Maurice Longbottom (2)
Pool Match Scorers:
- South Africa: Tries: Impi Visser, Shilton van Wyk.
- Conversion: Tristan Leyds
- Australia: Tries: Henry Hutchison, Henry Paterson, Josh Turner.
- Conversion: Maurice Longbottom
What’s Next for the Blitzboks?
Can the Blitzboks lift the Vancouver Sevens trophy? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
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