A late winning try from Zain Davids against Argentina saw the Blitzboks progress to the New Zealand Sevens quarter-finals with three wins out of three on day one of the tournament in Hamilton.

Shilton van Wyk’s hat-trick eased the Blitzboks to a 34-5 win over Canada in their tournament opener, but the Springbok Sevens then had to work hard to secure victories over Spain and Argentina.

It was Shaun Williams’ converted try that ultimately proved the difference for South Africa against Spain, after the European outfit fought back from a 7-0 half-time deficit.

This set up a decisive Pool D clash against Argentina, who had also won both of their opening fixtures, that took place early on Saturday morning to see who would finish in first place in the pool.

Argentina took an early lead with a try in the second minute, but scores from Dalvon Blood and Christie Grobbelaar put South Africa 12-7 up at the break.

Luciano Gonzalez’s try saw Argentina regain the lead shortly after half-time and the South Americans held out until Davids crashed over the 13th minute to snatch a 17-14 victory for the Springbok Sevens.

Finishing first in Pool D means the Blitzboks have avoided a rematch with Fiji and will instead take on France in the NZ Sevens quarter-finals at 11.58pm (SA time) on Saturday night.

Photo: Dave Rowland/Getty Images