The Blitzboks did all they could to secure a spot in the Hong Kong Sevens Cup quarter-finals with a hard-fought win against Kenya on Saturday.
The South Africans raced into a 19-0 half-time lead thanks to tries for skipper Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shaun Williams and Christie Grobbelaar, before holding off a fightback from their African rivals to claim a 26-17 victory.
Rock-solid defence and clever grubber kicks from the Blitzboks initially kept the likes of Alvin ‘The Buffalo’ Otieno at bay, and Williams opened the scoring after scooping up Ryan Oosthuizen’s chip behind the Kenyans.
Ricardo Duarttee extended the lead with the first of his three conversions in the match, before Soyizwapi raced through to dot down under the posts after an impressive aerial take from the kickoff.
The @Blitzboks at their best ?
#HSBC7s | #HK7s pic.twitter.com/ioYFs27wzW
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) April 1, 2023
Kenya captain Nelson Oyoo struck first after the break, but Blitzbok debutant Donovan Don broke away for SA’s fourth, as touchdowns from Jeff Oluoch and Billy Odhiambo made it a nervy finish for the men in green.
The Blitzboks progress to the knockout stages at the Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday as runners-up in Pool D after unbeaten New Zealand defeated Ireland 26-7.
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Sirens blaring, full speed ahead for police officer Jeff Oluoch ?
#HSBC7s | #HK7s @KenyaSevens pic.twitter.com/TqerjqurdU
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) April 1, 2023
Photo: Twitter/@Blitzboks