Earlier in the day, the Blitzboks dominated Australia with a 17-0 win but suffered a surprise defeat to Kenya, who claimed victory in extra time with a 22-19 win. Despite the setback, the Blitzboks regrouped and delivered a thrilling performance against France to clinch the pool.

The deciding match against France saw the Blitzboks build an early 12-0 lead with two quick tries, only for France to stage a remarkable comeback and take a 19-12 advantage. With just seconds remaining, Christie Grobbelaar scored his second try, and Dewald Humans' conversion forced the game into extra time. More extra time would be required and six minutes into the sudden-death phase, Donovan Don sealed the win with a sensational dummy and 40 metre sprint for the golden try.

Reflecting on the match, Don credited the team’s resilience and said they never stopped working for each other. Dewald’s turnover on our 25 set it all up, and from there, we executed perfectly to create the space I needed.”  

Don seals an emphatic win for the @Blitzboks in golden point time ??#HSBCSVNS | #HSBCSVNSDXB pic.twitter.com/Z52tdAcs5P

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) November 30, 2024

The Blitzboks’ earlier match against Kenya was a shocker. Kenya’s aggressive start earned them a 17-0 halftime lead, with tries from Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa and others showcasing their dominance. Although the Blitzboks fought back in the second half with tries from Tristan Leyds and Donovan Don, Kenya clinched victory in extra time when Patrick Odongo Okong’o scored after a contested TMO review.

In their opening game, the Blitzboks cruised to a 17-0 win over Australia. Quewin Nortjé opened the scoring with a brilliant step inside a defender, followed by Leyds converting a team effort for a second try. Shortly after halftime, Leyds added a third, outpacing two defenders for a 60 meter run to the line. Determined defence, including a crucial tackle by Zain Davids, preserved the clean sheet.

Despite challenges, including the loss of Ryan Oosthuizen to injury, the Blitzboks displayed moments of brilliance and teamwork. They now face a formidable New Zealand side in the quarterfinals, aiming to maintain their momentum in the tournament.

Quarter finals for Sunday 

8:48 - Great Britain v Spain

9:10 - South Africa v New Zealand

9:32 - Fiji v France

9:54 -  Argentina v Australia

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg