Blitzboks rally to book spot in Cape Town Final

Spain shocked the big crowd to take a 12-0 lead with two tries in quick succession shortly before the break, with the Blitzboks stuck in their own half with very little possession.

However, a breakaway try by Zain Davids on the stroke of half-time gave the SA team and their fans a glimmer of hope against last weekend's runners-up in Dubai. Tristan Leyds missed the conversion and Spain led by 12-5 at the break.

The Blitzboks had the best possible start to the second half though when they spread the ball wide quickly from a lineout - an area they struggled with in the first half - to Shilton van Wyk, who sped away for the try, with Leyds' conversion levelling the scores.

A few minutes later, the Blitzboks again attacked from a set piece, this time a scrum, and Leyds had just enough space to go over, with his conversion putting the hosts in the lead by seven points.

After Shaun Williams was tackled into touch on the corner flag, Spain forced a few penalties and worked their way up-field, but the Blitzboks' defence held firm.

France beat Fiji by 19-17 after scoring a converted try in the corner with time up on the clock in the second semi-final to set up the final against the Blitzboks - kick-off is at 19h11.

The last time South Africa won their home tournament at DHL Stadium was in 2016, against Argentina in the final. They were runners-up in 2017 (against England) and 2020 (against New Zealand).

In the women's competition, New Zealand had too much class for France and won their semi-final by 43-0, setting up a final against USA, who upset last week's champions in Duban, Australia, by 24-19 in the second semi-final.

Scorers:

Blitzboks 19 (5) Spain 12 (12)

Blitzboks - Tries: Zain Davids, Shilton van Wyk, Tristan Leyds. Conversions: Leyds (2).

Spain - Tries: Eduardo Lopez, Alejandro Laforga. Conversion: Francisco Cosculluela.

READ MORE: Blitzboks into semi-finals in Cape Town after cruising through two pool matches