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Blitzboks Qualify for Hong Kong Sevens Quarterfinals with Win over Kenya
New Zealand Spoils Blitzboks’ Perfect Record
The Blitzboks secured their passage to the quarter-finals of Hong Kong Sevens from Pool D after seeing off Kenya in a 26-17 victory. After earning a hard-fought win (14-7) against Ireland on Friday, New Zealand brought the South Africans back down to earth with a narrow 12-7 win on Saturday morning. Sandile Ngcobo’s needed to react and got a positive result against Kenya, while the All Blacks Sevens then decimated the Irish to finish first in Pool D.
Blitzboks Show Intent Early On
South Africa showed their intent early on with a move that looked dead following a grubber kick from Ryan Oosthuizen but fell fortuitously into Williams’ path to open the scoring. Williams then turned provider from the restart and caught the Kenyan defence sleeping as Siviwe Soyizwapi snatched the ball from the air and darted to the try line. Ricardo Duarttee converted both tries. Christie Grobbelaar added more points to the Blitzboks tally for a comfortable 19-0 half-time lead.
Kenya Fires Back but Blitzboks Hold On
Midway through the second half, Kenya hit back after quick thinking as the Blitzboks were flagged offside. Anthony Omondi put Nelson Oyoo into space to get his side on the scoresheet. Poor ball handling by Kenya resulted in Blitzbok debutant Donovan Don running more than half of the pitch to get his first try in senior colours. But Kenya were not ready to throw in the towel and fired back immediately from the restart as Jeff Oluoch and Billy Odhiambo scored in quick succession but were ultimately consolation tries as the Blitzboks sealed the victory.
Quarterfinal Matches Set
South Africa will meet Fiji on Sunday (04:48), while New Zealand faces off against Argentina.
Credit: https://www.news24.com/sport/rugby/sevens/new-zealand-put-the-sword-to-blitzboks-in-hong-kong-20230401
