South Africa’s men won two of their three matches in Pool A at the Perth Sevens, the latest stop on the HSBC SVNS circuit, on Saturday. In doing so they qualified for the semi-finals where they will play Australia. The other semi-final will see Fiji take on New Zealand.
Hosts Australia ensured a perfect three-from-three wins when they beat New Zealand, France and Great Britain.
SOUTH AFRICA 33 SPAIN 14
Philip Snyman’s men fought back from 14-12 down at HBF Park to triumph. South Africa went 12-0 up before Spain scored a converted try on the first half hooter (12-7). Spain then scored two minutes into the second half to take the lead, but Zain Davids, Zander Reynders and Donovan Don all crossed for tries to seal the win.
SOUTH AFRICA 19 ARGENTINA 12
Donavan Don’s second-half try saw South Africa beat Argentina in a tense encounter, after leading 14-7 at the break. There was little between the sides in the opening exchanges, but the momentum of the first half shifted when Argentina were reduced to six men. South Africa capitalised quickly, with Christie Grobbelaar finishing, although Argentina responded to level the scores (7-7). The men in green struck just before the interval with Zain Davids’ try being converted (14-7). The deficit was cut to 14-12 before Donavon Don sealed matters with a try.
SOUTH AFRICA 14 FIJI 20
Fiji came back from 14-0 down to win, and this was the third time South Africa have lost in four matches to the Fijians this season.The Fijians in fact came from behind in all three Pool matches. For South Africa, after going 14-0 up, they slipped tackles, watched as Fiji ran at them and gave them space. Zain Davids took a perfect pass from Tristan Leyds on attack to ghost through the defence for the first try and Sebastian Jobb got the second in good time.
But a defensive error at the end of the first half was costly as Nagani Bogonisoko fended off Donavan Don and then showed a turn of pace to go in at the corner to put Fiji on the board. Two yellow cards were also costly for South Africa. Davids threw the ball away and was carded before Bogonisoko’s try, and Ricky Duartee was carded in the second half with two minutes to go.
