Blitzboks face crucial Ireland test in Vancouver

The Springbok Sevens side face a tough, crucial final pool fixture against Ireland on Saturday night after a day one of highs and lows in the Vancouver Sevens’ “Pool of Death”.

Surprisingly Great Britain, who are last on the log standings of the HSBC SVNS series, are the only unbeaten side after the first two rounds of pool games after they shocked the Blitzboks in the second match of the day.

The Blitzboks had made a positive start by downing arch-rivals New Zealand, but then went down to Great Britain, underlining the frustrating inconsistency to the side this season and now will have to beat Ireland in their final pool game (23h05 CAT, GMT+2) if they are to be sure of qualifying for the Cup competition.

The losing bonus point they got against Great Britain has put them a point above New Zealand, who face the leaders in their final game of the pool and a lot will be riding on that result as well.

The Blitzboks got their tournament off to a great start as a brace of individual tries by Selvyn Davids, who captains the side this week, and a late try by Tristan Leyds sealed a 21-12 win over the Kiwis.

The Blitzboks lead 14-5 at the break.

But in the second game the energy was noticeably lacking as they struggled to contain the British side, who surprised everyone with their opening win over Ireland. Ireland lost in the final in Perth.

Ethan Waddleton opened the scoring for Great Britain in the opening minute, followed by tries to Tom Williams and Robbie Ferguson, eclipsing the efforts of Shilton van Wyk and Impi Visser, the latter who is playing in his 35th tournament on the circuit.

Huge day awaits #Blitzboks in Vancouver.
More here: https://t.co/SIODB0WPMJ#PoweredByUnity#HSBCSVNSVAN @WeBuyCars_SA pic.twitter.com/gtRSWZkYxg

— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) February 24, 2024

Great Britain edged out the Blitzboks 17-12 to add to their 17-14 win over Ireland. New Zealand then beat Ireland 19-14 to underline how close the pool results have been.

It was another disappointing start to a tournament by the Springbok Sevens’ Women’s team, losing 28-7 to Ireland and then 35-5 to New Zealand. They face Brazil in their final pool game at 8.56pm.

Pool standings (and points difference) with one match left:

Great Britain 6 (+8)

South Africa 4 (+4)

New Zealand 3 (-4)

Ireland 2 (-8)

Scoring summaries:

South Africa 21 (14), New Zealand 12 (5)

SA - Tries: Selvyn Davids (2), Tristan Leyds. Conversions: Davids (2), Leyds.

NZ - Tries: Cody Vai (2). Conversion: Akuila Rokolisoa.

South Africa 12 (5), Great Britain 17 (12)

SA - Tries: Shilton van Wyk, Impi Visser. Conversion: Justin Geduld.

GB - Tries: Ethan Waddleton, Tom Williams, Robbie Ferguson. Conversion: Kaleem Barreto.

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