South Africa successfully defended their SVNS World Championship title after beating Fiji in the quarter-finals of the Bordeaux tournament on Saturday.
South Africa lost 15-12 to the Pacific Islanders earlier in the day, but qualified for the playoffs as one of the best third-placed teams in their pool. And they gained sweet revenge with a 14-12 victory that set up a semi-final against France on Sunday (1:14pm SA time).
South Africa fell 12-0 behind in the quarter-final and then lost Ryan Oosthuizen to a yellow card, but fought back brilliantly. A fine cross-kick from Tristan Leyds sent Sebastiaan Jobb over just before half-time to reduce the deficit.
After the break Donavan Don burst through the Fijian defence before putting Jobb away for his second try. Ricardo Duarttee’s conversion made it 14-12.
South Africa had lost to Fiji in their third pool match – their second loss of the weekend after suffering a 19-14 extra-time defeat to Great Britain on day one.
Argentina’s loss to New Zealand meant they were out of the tournament and South Africa progressed to the quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams in their pool.
Photo, file: David van der Sandt