The Blitzboks had to work hard for a 24-21 victory over Fiji before they cruised past New Zealand with 19-14. Their final pool game, against Britain, ended in a 41-7 win for the South Africans. The Upington-born, form Grey College star, Nabo Sokoyi also scored his first try in the Blitzboks’ match against Britain, opening his tally on the world stage.

Newly crowned Dubai champions New Zealand and finalists Australia will both miss out on the semi-finals, due to the new look HSBC SVNS format. 

Australia

A much-improved Spain were denied a last four spot on points difference, after conceding a late try against Argentina to gift the South American side a crucial bonus point that meant they topped the pool, with France doing more than enough against Australia to finish second.

Argentina will face Fiji in the second semi-final on Sunday. Australia and New Zealand, last weekend’s finalists, will face each other in the fifth place semifinal at 10:44, with Britain and Spain fighting it out in the other fifth place semi-final.

Scorers in South Africa’s games:

Springbok Sevens 24 (12) Fiji 21 (14)
 Blitzboks - Tries: Christie Grobbelaar, Shilton van Wyk (3). Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee, Ronald Brown.
Fiji - Tries: Apete Narogo, Viwa Naduvalo, Joseva Talacolo. Conversions: Terio Veilawa, George Bose.

Springbok Sevens 19 (0) New Zealand 14 (7)
 Blitzboks - Tries: Donavan Don, Shilton van Wyk, Ronald Brown. Conversions: Tristan Leyds, Brown.
NZ - Tries: Tone Ng Shiu, Scott Gregory. Conversions: Sofai Notoa-Tipo, Riley Williams.

Springbok Sevens 41 (22) Britain 7 (0)
 Blitzboks - Tries: Donavan Don (2), Ricardo Duarttee, Impi Visser, David Brits, Nabo Sokoyi, Christie Grobbelaar. Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee (2), Selvyn Davids.
Britain - Try: Roan Frostwick. Conversion: Frostwick.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg