Springbok Sevens set up Argentina showdown in Cape Town decider
Shilton van Wyk, seen here in action in the Blitzboks’ first game against Fiji, scored another try as they beat New Zealand in their second match of the Cape Town Sevens on Saturday.
Image: Blitzboks on X
THE SPRINGBOK Sevens team are through to the HSBC SVNS Cape Town final after edging France 22-17 in a tense first semi-final at DHL Stadium on Sunday.
The result keeps local excitement high as the Blitzboks move within one win of claiming their home tournament title.
They will face Argentina in the final at 4.43pm, after the South Americans defeated Fiji 29-21 in the second semi-final.
The match against France delivered the intensity expected of a knockout clash, with South Africa scoring four tries to France’s three and surviving several late scares to close out the game.
Shilton van Wyk opened the scoring in the first minute, finishing on the left after the Blitzboks controlled possession from the kick-off. A few minutes later, Tristan Leyds capitalised on a penalty against France for going off their feet at a ruck, taking a quick tap and running through for South Africa’s second try and a 10-0 lead.
France responded late in the half through Jordan Sepho, who finished in the left corner after his team stretched the Blitzbok defence from an attacking lineout. But the momentum swung back immediately when the restart bounced kindly for Van Wyk, who sprinted away for a long-distance try. Ricardo Duarttee converted to make it 17-5.
France closed the gap again before the break when Josselin Bouhier finished a move that began deep in their own half, setting up a tight second half.
Moments after the restart, Bouhier struck again, scoring off a favourable bounce similar to Van Wyk’s earlier try to level the score at 17-17.
With the contest finely balanced, South Africa regained control by maintaining pressure inside the French 22. Ryan Oosthuizen forced a turnover and drove over for what proved to be the decisive try.
France had one more opportunity from a free kick in midfield, awarded after the Blitzboks took too long with the restart, but the South African defence held firm to secure the win.
Sunday’s final offers more than just a shot at the title. Argentina knocked the Blitzboks out of last weekend’s competition in Dubai with a 19-17 victory, adding an extra edge to the Cape Town showdown.
With home support behind them and a strong run of form this weekend, the hosts head into the decider knowing exactly what is required.
Scorers:
Springbok Sevens 22 (17) France 17 (12)
Blitzboks - Tries: Shilton van Wyk (2), Tristan Leyds, Ryan Oosthuizen. Conversion: Ricardo Duarttee.
France - Tries: Jordan Sepho, Josselin Bouhier (2). Conversion: Stephen Parez Edo Martin.