Inconsistency has cost the South African Sevens rugby side dearly in the Las Vegas tournament of World Rugby’s Sevens Series. The Blitzboks lost to the USA in the cup quarter-finals, after beating England 29-12 in their final group C match.
South Africa will now face Fiji at 22:28 South African time on Sunday in the fifth-place semi-final play-off.
After poor performances on day one, which included a shocking 5-all draw against Chile, the Blitzboks knew they had to bring their all to beat England.
“Not acceptable” Straight talking from Blitzbok captain @snymanphilip after the 5-5 draw against @chilerugby1 in their second pool match #LasVegas7s. @CastleFreeSA @FNBSA @ASICSRugby @ASICS_ZA pic.twitter.com/Q9sLmSFaMd
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) March 2, 2019
They ran in five tries to two to record a 29-12 win and finish top of Group C. However, the clash against hosts, the USA, was always going to be tough.
The South Africans were initially blown away by the Americans, who are currently second in the point standings. The USA already enjoyed a 19-0 lead at half-time and then stretched it to 29-0 before late tries by JC Pretorius and Stedman Gans eased the South Africans’ pain.
When your first try in the Blitzbok jersey could also have been a dramatic winning try…. so close but yet so far. Don’t sweat it JC Pretorius, that debut try will come sooner than later.@CastleFreeSA @FNBSA @ASICSRugby @ASICS_ZA pic.twitter.com/d4hntK9TbQ
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) March 2, 2019
Despite the ups and downs of the team, this guy has been REALLY impressive in Las Vegas. He missed and then scored his first try and could not be prouder! @CastleFreeSA @FNBSA @ASICS_ZA Take down his name. JC Pretorius! pic.twitter.com/lVEyUiKW5n
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) March 3, 2019
Renfred Dazel, Blitzboks assistant coach, says that it is a bittersweet day for the Blitzboks.
“It’s a bittersweet day for us; playing England and coming up with a good performance and then playing against the USA with the home crowd and they just get that extra energy. Two turnovers cost us the game in the beginning, so losing a scrum, USA scored and then at breakdown, we conceded two make turnovers and in the end, that shows on the scoreboard.”
The USA will face New Zealand in the first cup semi-final later Sunday night while Samoa and Argentina will do battle in the second semi-final.
