Blitzboks playmaker Selvyn Davids. Image: World Rugby/Getty via AFP
Blitzboks deliver mixed results on day one in Vancouver
The Blitzboks have been left needing to beat Ireland to escape their Vancouver Sevens group after beating New Zealand but then losing to Great Britain.
Blitzboks playmaker Selvyn Davids. Image: World Rugby/Getty via AFP
After a mixed first day of play, the Blitzboks will need to defeat Ireland in their last Pool C match at the HSBC SVNS Vancouver to maintain their chances of making it to the last eight at BC Place.
The Blitzboks began their campaign on a positive note on Friday evening (SA time), defeating New Zealand 22–12.
Blitzboks start fast but stumble
ALSO: Track the Blitzboks in Vancouver with LIVE scores
However, they were unable to muster the same gusto for their second encounter, which they lost 17–12. However, they did get a losing bonus point, which may be advantageous if they defeat Ireland at 23:05 (South African time) later today.
Great Britain, who defeated Ireland earlier, leads the pool, with South Africa in second, while New Zealand and Ireland will be eager for a win against Great Britain and the Blitzboks, respectively, to progress to the final eight.
How did the Blitzboks beat New Zealand
Selvyn Davids’ early score against New Zealand gave his team the lead, but Cody Vai responded quickly. Tristan Leyds scored a well-taken try right before the interval to increase the advantage to 14-5. Davids scored early in the second half, and his converted effort gave his team a 21-5 lead before Vai’s late try brought his team closer, but it was too little, too late.
Great Britain scored twice in the first three minutes of their encounter against the Blitzboks, keeping them on the back foot for the rest of the half.
Shilton van Wyk scored right before the interval, cutting the deficit to seven points with seven minutes remaining. Robbie Ferguson’s touchdown extended the margin to 17-5 four minutes from time, and although Impi Visser’s converted try with a minute remaining ignited hopes of a last-gasp win, the Blitzboks’ comeback effort was too late.
Vancouver efforts
Pool standings (and points difference) with one match left:
- Great Britain 6 (+8)
- South Africa 4 (+4)
- New Zealand 3 (-4)
- Ireland 2 (-8)
Scoring summaries:
South Africa 21 (14), New Zealand 12 (5)
SA – Tries: Selvyn Davids (2), Tristan Leyds. Conversions: Davids (2), Leyds.
NZ – Tries: Cody Vai (2). Conversion: Akuila Rokolisoa.
South Africa 12 (5), Great Britain 17 (12)
SA – Tries: Shilton van Wyk, Impi Visser. Conversion: Justin Geduld.
GB – Tries: Ethan Waddleton, Tom Williams, Robbie Ferguson. Conversion: Kaleem Barreto.
