South Africa’s Selvyn Davids launches an attacks against the Japan defense on day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at Twickenham Stadium in London on 25 May, 2019. Photo: Mike Lee – KLC fotos for World Rugby

London Sevens 2019: Blitzboks to face Aussies in the quarterfinal

The Blitzboks made a storming start at the 2019 London Sevens. They have a tough road to the finals on Sunday. Here’s what you need to know.

by Alexis Haden

25-05-2019 18:54

in Rugby

The Blitzboks will face Australia in the Cup quarter-final at the 2019 London Sevens.

Neil Powell’s men ran riot on the first day, thrashing Japan 49-0, Canada 45-15 and Argentina 40-21.

Read: Full list of results from day one at the 2019 London Sevens

Pool A summary

Two contrasting contests kicked this pool off with Canada producing a resolute display to beat Argentina 14-12 before South Africa strolled to a 49-0 success against Japan. Branco Du Preez scored one try and converted four on the day he became the most-capped Blitzboks player of all-time, reaching 70 tournaments. Los Pumas 7s got back on track by running in six tries against Japan while South Africa plundered five in the second half alone as they eased past Canada 45-14. Adam Zaruba came up trumps for Canada in their final game, scoring a first-half hat-trick in a 31-12 win over Japan, and that left them knowing a Blitzboks victory against Argentina would see them into the Cup quarter-finals. That transpired, with the scoreline of 40-21 ensuring that the relentless South Africans racked up at least 40 points in every game on day one.

Pool B summary

Fiji’s hopes of winning the series were nearly dented straight up as Kenya ran them all the way in their section opener. Paula Dranisinukula eventually edged them home 24-17 and they joined France in winning their first contest after the European hopefuls quelled Samoa 22-14. It was another close call, and defeat, for Samoa second time up as they missed a conversion for victory and succumbed 21-20 to Kenya, for whom Vincent Onyala scored a precious hat-trick. France performed admirably against Fiji and deserved better than a 31-10 reverse but Alasio Naduva, Jerry Tuwai and Livai Ikanikoda all went over to seal their place at the Olympic Games. That set up a shoot-out for a Cup quarter-final berth and, after an even first half, France claimed it with a 31-17 taming of Kenya with Remi Siega scoring twice. Samoa’s hard-luck story continued with a third straight single-figure defeat in an end-to-end encounter with section winners Fiji.

Pool C summary

New Zealand began their quest for glory in London with a 21-7 win against Scotland before the hosts made their bow. England captain Phil Burgess, taking part in his 50th series event, led them out and they looked set for victory when James Rodwell, playing in his last #London7s, went over late on. Ireland provided a twist though with debutant Mick McGrath giving the visitors a 21-17 triumph. They could not carry that form into their match against New Zealand, Andrew Knewstubb and Regan Ware both dotting down twice in an impressive 34-7 triumph. England were then involved in another thriller and seemingly set for more disappointment in front of their home fans until Tom Bowen flew over on the final play against Scotland to breathe life into their day. Jordan Conroy scored a hat-trick as Ireland’s 31 unanswered second-half points sank Scotland and left England needing a ten-point win against New Zealand to deny them a Cup last-eight spot. Will Edwards gave the hosts just that advantage early in the second half but Tone Ng Shiu had the final say, ending England’s hopes and sealing the All Blacks 7s spot in the Olympics.

Pool D summary

Australia and title-chasing USA made good starts to their #London7s campaigns with comfortable wins over Wales and Spain respectively. Maurice Longbottom and Carlin Isles grabbed two tries each in those first games but the biggest news was the return of Perry Baker for the States, and he marked his comeback from injury with a score within 68 seconds of his reappearance. Longbottom was not to be outshone, however, and helped himself to a hat-trick against Spain (42-12). Back came Baker aided by Ben Pinkelman, with both grabbing two tries as they sealed their Olympic qualification by seeing off Wales 28-26. That left top spot on the line and Australia looked on course for it when Steve Tomasin went to the sin-bin and Longbottom and Simon Kennewell pounced. Tomasin produced a Lazarus act to see USA home, though, returning to the field and storming through for the decisive try in a 19-17 win.

London Sevens 2019: Cup finals times

All times are SAST.

The cup matches will begin at 11:58 on Sunday, 26 May 2019. The bronze medal match will be played at 18:32 followed by the final at 18:57.

The Blitzboks will play Australia at 11:58 in the first quarter of the day. Should they beat Australia, they will play the winner of the match between France and New Zealand.