The Blitzboks’ route to the last four was sealed by two hard-fought victories earlier on Saturday, before a frustrating 20–14 defeat to Fiji in their final pool match saw them slip from top spot in the group. Despite that setback, wins over Spain and Argentina ensured a top-four finish and kept their title hopes alive. Fiji will meet New Zealand in the other semi-final.

South Africa’s showdown with Fiji proved to be a tale of two halves. The Blitzboks exploded out of the blocks, taking firm control with two early tries. Zain Davids struck first after a sharp break from Ricardo Duarttee opened space, and moments later Sebastiaan Jobb finished clinically on the wing after sustained pressure against a Fiji side reduced to six men following a yellow card. At 14–0, South Africa looked firmly in charge.

Luan Giliomee - SA Rugby

However, the momentum shifted dramatically late in the first half. A yellow card to Davids just before the break handed Fiji a numerical advantage, which they exploited ruthlessly. A try on the stroke of half-time, followed by another immediately after the restart, levelled matters and swung the contest. With South Africa again down a man after Duarttee was sin-binned for a high tackle, Fiji pressed home their advantage, scoring twice more to snatch the win and top Pool A.

Earlier in the day, the Blitzboks had edged past Argentina 19–12 in a tense encounter that went down to the final play. Defence dominated the opening exchanges before Christie Grobbelaar crossed after South Africa capitalised on a yellow card to the Pumas. Argentina responded just before the break, but a moment of class from Duarttee carved open the defence, allowing Davids to score his 50th career HSBC SVNS try and give South Africa a 14–7 half-time lead.

Donavan Don extended that advantage with a 70-metre effort in the second half, and although Argentina struck late to set up a dramatic finish, the Blitzboks held firm to secure the semi-final berth.

Sebastiaan Jobb - SA Rugby

South Africa’s campaign began in emphatic fashion with a 33–14 victory over Spain. Tries from Shilton van Wyk and David Brits gave them early control, but a brief lapse around half-time allowed Spain to surge into the lead. The response was swift and decisive, with Davids and Zander Reynders restoring order before Luan Giliomee capped the performance with his first try in Blitzboks colours.

With lessons learned and confidence intact, the Blitzboks now turn their focus to a high-stakes semi-final against the hosts.

Sunday’s semi-final between the hosts Australia and Blitzboks in the City of Light will kick-off at 7:19.