South Africa’s men’s team qualified for the playoffs of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles with victories over France, Great Britain and Argentina in their pool and will face New Zealand in the semi-finals on Sunday.
South Africa won 19-10 against France, edged out the British team 12-7 and scored five tries against Argentina in a 29-21 victory on the first day of action at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.
Against Argentina, Ronald Brown struck first for a 7-0 scoreline, but two quick tries by the Pumas pushed them into the lead. Ryan Oosthuizen scored to level matters at the break, with Ricardo Duarttee converting both tries.
Three unanswered tries by the Blitzboks gave them an impressive 29-14 lead before a late try by Argentina saved them some blushes. The South Americans will face Spain in the other semi-final.
After an impressive performance against France, South Africa were on the money again against Great Britain, with two tries within the first five minutes putting them into the fast lane towards victory.
In the first match, the French started very well and pressured South Africa into mistakes, which led to two unanswered tries to give them a 10-point lead.
South Africa knuckled down and showed great character to fight back after going down 10-0 late in the first half. Selvyn Davids’ late try before the break, from a great grubber into space, meant the teams swapped sides with France leading by 10-7.
The second half belonged to the Blitzboks, who held onto possession much better as they worked to find space, with Shilton van Wyk and Zain Davids adding their names to the score sheet.
The Blitzboks’ semi-final against New Zealand is at 10:46pm (SA time) on Sunday evening, shortly after Spain and Argentina face off at 10:244pm for a place in the final.
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