South Africa secured their spot in the championship match by seeing off hosts Australia 28-12 in the second semi-final, having taken a 14-5 lead into the half-time break.

Australia enjoyed plenty of early possession after receiving the opening kick-off, but it was the world champions who struck first. A loose ball was pounced on smartly by the Blitzboks, and that was all the invitation Shilton van Wyk needed, as he went screaming away to dot down for the opening try in the third minute.

Dylan Leyds and Donovan Don. Photo: SA Rugby

Ricardo Duarttee kept his cool and slotted the conversion from right in front to hand South Africa a 7-0 advantage.

With two minutes left in the opening half, sustained pressure from the Aussies and slick ball movement through the hands eventually paid off, as Henry Hutchison crossed in the left-hand corner for an unconverted try to put the hosts on the scoreboard.

Australia continued to throw everything at the Blitzboks as the half drew to a close, launching wave after wave of attack. But South Africa’s defence stood firm and forced a crucial knock-on. 

The turnover was snapped up, and the ball worked wide to Sebastiaan Jobb, who showed sharp footwork before cutting back infield, cracking on the afterburners and racing away for a second converted try to give the Blitzboks a healthy nine-point cushion at the break.

Ricardo Duarttee. Photo: SA Rugby

The hosts came out firing after half-time, with Ben Dowling striking early and converting his own try to keep Australia firmly in the contest. However, the celebrations were short-lived. Less than two minutes later, Jobb struck again, slicing through the defence for his second try to stretch the lead and swing the momentum back South Africa’s way.

The result was effectively sealed in the 12th minute when Duarttee found himself with open space about 20 metres out. Showing both pace and composure, he beat the cover defence on either side to score and drive the final nail into the Australian coffin.

Australia continued to fight bravely right until the end, but a handling error just as they threatened to score on the hooter brought proceedings to a close.

Shilton van Wyk. Photo: SA Rugby

Earlier, Fiji underlined their title credentials with a dominant 35-0 demolition of New Zealand in the first semi-final. However, Akuila Rokolisoa’s red card in the fifth minute made life extremely difficult for the men in black.

During Saturday’s last pool game, Fiji managed to beat the Blitzboks 20-14. The final between South Africa and Fiji in Boorloo is set to kick off at 11:04.

Scorers:

Australia: Tries – Henry Hutchison, Ben Dowling Conv. – Dowling

South Africa: Tries – Shilton van Wyk, Sebastiaan Jobb 2, Ricardo Duarttee Conv. – Duarttee 4

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg