South Africa claimed a hard-fought win against Ireland on day one of the Hong Kong Sevens, as the Blitzboks look to boost their drive for Olympic Games qualification.
With the score tied 7-7 at half time, Zain Davids crashed over late on in the second half and Ricardo Duarttee nailed the crucial conversion from out wide, before the South Africans dug deep on defence for a 14-7 victory.
Speedster Mfundo Ndhlovu split the line for the opening try after a dominant period of possession by the South Africans, and Duarttee added the extras, but Ireland drew level before the break through a converted touchdown by Matt McDonald.
But, Davids showed an impressive turn of speed for a big man to round the cover defence, with the Blitzboks doing enough to ward off a fightback from the Irish in added time.
The Blitzboks next face World Sevens Series leaders New Zealand on Saturday (5.04am), before a clash with African rivals Kenya in their final Pool D game (9.25am).
Zain Davids stepping up in the final minutes for the @Blitzboks ?#HK7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/wyRRP3838a
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) March 31, 2023
WIN: Tickets to Stormers vs Harlequins
Picks: @mark_keohane and Zels have no doubts that the Stormers will bury Harlequins in the Champions Cup. pic.twitter.com/jmM5qx7Ghq
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) March 30, 2023
Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images