Blitzboks torch Fiji, All Blacks await in final

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The Blitzboks streaked to a breath-taking victory against Fiji on Sunday to book their place in the Sydney Sevens final against New Zealand.

Three first-half tries were just reward for South Africa’s electric start to the second semi-final of the Australian tournament, and there were two more in a 31-12 win for the Blitzboks.

Shilton van Wyk and Jaiden Baron each crossed for two tries in the match and they were joined on the score sheet in the first half by Dalvon Blood for a 17-0 lead at the break.

Fiji responded after the restart when Iowane Teba cut through South Africa’s inspirational scramble defence for a try. The defensive effort came at a cost to the Blitzboks as they lost Ricardo Duartee to a shoulder injury, while Baron had to leave temporarily for a head injury assessment.

Blood, who had been substituted, returned to the field in Baron’s absence and immediately made an impact, hacking a loose ball on the halfway line downfield, and Darren Adonis won the 50-metre foot race to dive on the ball in goal.

And the hole got deeper for Fiji from the ensuing kickoff when Van Wyk picked off a pass in the 22 to jog over for a soft try.

An offload saw Fijian flyer Vuiviawa Naduval score under the sticks for a consolation try before the final whistle. The Blitzboks will face current series leaders New Zealand in the decider (11.26am SA time), having edged their rivals 17-14 in the pool stages.

“We’re very excited for the Cup final,” said Van Wyk in a post-match interview. We played New Zealand in our group games, and we’ll have to be better in the final. We’re ready for them.”

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 Photo: Twitter/@Blitzboks

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