Blitzboks fall short of reaching Olympic final after going down to France

The French, spurred on by a full house at the iconic rugby stadium, scored three consecutive tries in the second half after the Blitzboks took a 5-0 lead after the halftime interval.

It was a helter skelter first half, with both teams battling the rain that came pelting down and some nerves while there was also some determined defence by their opponents.

France came close twice and the Blitzboks once, but on each occasion defence ruled.

Not so at the start of the second half though when Tristan Leyds scored after some good recycling by his teammates.

France, who introduced local hero Antoine Dupont on the field just before the try, then managed three tries to make it into the finals.

The Blitzboks will take on Australia for the bronze medal at 19h00 (SA time).

Scorers:

SA - Try: Tristan Leyds.

France - Tries: Rayan Rebbadj (2), Jordan Sepho. Conversions: Rebbadj (2).  

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