South Africa’s men bounced back from a heavy loss to Spain with a big win against Argentina to qualify for the Hong Kong Sevens quarter-finals.
There they continued to build momentum as they beat Kenya 26-22 to claim their spot in the semi-finals. However, it was a nerve-racking win as Kenya looked like they might produce the upset until a late South African rally.
The regular-season SVNS series winners scored six tries in a 38-0 romp in their final pool match on Saturday to finish top of Pool A on points difference (+24). Spain (+16) and Argentina (+7) also ended with six log points, with the latter missing out on points difference.
Needing a big win against Argentina to reach the quarter-finals, South Africa raced into a 12-0 lead after tries from Sebastiaan Jobb and Ryan Oosthuizen.
A red card to Martiniano Arrieta left Argentina with six men for the rest of the match and South Africa took full advantage, with Selvyn Davids and Tristan Leyds crossing to make it 26-0 at the break.
Shilton van Wyk scored early in the second half and Leyds dotted down again soon after.
The Hong Kong event – which South Africa have never won – forms the opening leg of the SVNS World Championship. It will be followed by tournaments in Valladolid and Bordeaux to crown the world champions.
In their first two matches, South Africa beat Uruguay 12-7 but lost to Spain 31-12.
