South Africa’s men’s Sevens team reached the semi-finals of the SVNS World Championship quarter-final in Valladolid after bouncing hosts Spain out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage.
After losing their final group match of the event, 24-14, South Africa found themselves trailing Spain 12-0 at the break. However, second-half tries by Impi Visser and Jayden Nell, both converted by Ricardo Duarttee, meant the South Africans snuck into the top four.
Sebastiaan Jobb also pulled off a miracle tackle that dislodged the ball from a Spanish player’s hands as he was going over under the uprights, in what would have been the match-winning try.
South Africa will face Argentina in the semi-finals on Sunday. They had secured a quarter-final spot despite the 24-14 defeat by finishing second in Pool A.
Having claimed unconvincing wins against Great Britain and Kenya on day one, South Africa opening the scoring against Australia after three minutes through Quewin Nortje, with Tristan Leyds adding the conversion.
But tries to Harry Wilson and Henry Hutchison gave Australia a 10-7 lead at the break.
Gino Cupido restored South Africa’s lead early in the second half with a blistering run through the middle of the Australian defence, Ricardo Duarttee adding the extras.
Australia responded strongly, with an inside pass releasing Ben Dowling to dot down. Straight after the restart, mistake handed Josh Turner a try and James McGregor converted to seal the win.
Photo: David van der Sandt