The Blitzboks had an unconvincing start against minnows Uruguay but ultimately won their first match 12-7 despite failing to score at all in the second half. A very average display against Spain in their second match resulted in a 31-12 defeat to a team that had lost their last six matches against South Africa. 

The team from South Africa made several mistakes, resulting in a comfortable 14-0 lead for Spain at the break.

Tobias Sainz-Trapaga scored first in each half and was followed by Eduardo Lopez, who scored in both halves as well. Jeremy Trevithick, Spain’s top scorer this season, finished off the win with a try late in the game. 

For South Africa, Shilton van Wyk and Donovan Don scored in the second half, but it was never going to be enough against a Spanish team who came to prove a point.

Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: X/Springbok Sevens

But against Argentina, it was clear the South Africans were not yet ready to admit defeat. They scored six tries in the game and led 26-0 at half-time. Tristan Leyds starred for the Blitzboks as he scored a brace and landed three conversions. 

The other tries were scored by Sebastiaan Jobb, Ryan Oosthuizen, Selvyn Davids and Shilton van Wyk.

The Blitzboks have never won the Hong Kong Sevens – the only tournament they have never won on the circuit.  They will face Kenya in the quarterfinals at 12:28.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg