The Blitzboks set up a quarter-final clash with Ireland after a last-minute penalty from Ricardo Duarttee clinched a win against New Zealand in the final pool match at the Sydney Sevens on Saturday.
The Springbok Sevens side went into their pool decider against New Zealand unbeaten after following up their opening win against Kenya by outgunning Uruguay 28-12, thanks to braces from Duarttee and Dalvon Blood.
New Zealand were ahead of the Blitzboks on points difference as they beat Uruguay 45-7 and then whitewashed Kenya in a 33-0 victory.
A tightly-contested match saw the two teams go into the break level at 7-7 as Shilton van Wyk provided a response to Joe Webber’s opener and Duarttee nailed the touchline conversion.
Come for the try, stay for the BANGER conversion ??@Blitzboks pulling out all the stops at #Sydney7s ??#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/tWMlF2Pcgx
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) January 28, 2023
New Zealand struck first in the second half, but again the Blitzboks drew level when substitute Zain Davids finished off a wonderfully worked try. In the end, it was Duarttee who settled matters when he held his cool to slot a penalty and ensure South Africa finished on top of pool B.
The Blitzboks will take on Ireland in the second cup quarter-final at 11.05am on Saturday.
This match-up *always* delivers ?
Ricardo Duarttee knocks over a penalty with the last kick of the game to seal top spot in the Pool ??#Sydney7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/98CDeOtEXG
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) January 28, 2023
Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
