Brilliant Blitzboks bounce back in Hong Kong

Fiji just managed to beat the Blitzboks by 10-7 in a tense quarter-final early on Sunday, but the South Africans were emphatic in their fifth-place semi-final against the USA, scoring six tries in a 38-7 victory and booking their place in the fifth-place final against Argentina (11h55).

The South Africans, still without the experienced Zain Davids due to a broken hand, could hold their heads high against Fiji as they could have won the game having led by 7-5 at the break, but in the end, Fiji held on for a close win.

Shaun Williams broke the deadlock in the fourth minute after some good attacking play, with Ricardo Duarttee making it 7-0 to South Africa with the conversion.

Fiji hit back through a long-distance try by Iowane Teba after a defensive mistake by the Blitzboks, but the conversion sailed wide and the South Africans led by two points after a tight first half.

The second half delivered more of the same until Napolioni Bolaca scored Fiji's second after they found some space on the right.

The Blitzboks then threw everything they had into the encounter and were hot on the attack in the Fijian 22 when the referee ruled obstruction, after which the experienced islanders simply ran the clock down to book their spot in the Cup semi-finals.

South Africa had a great start against the USA with Christie Grobbelaar going over in the first minute following a great run by Duarttee, who was stopped just short of the try-line.

The USA hit straight back though, Lucas Lacamp scoring from the restart after two missed tackles which allowed their opponents to finish 60m upfield under the uprights.

Grobbelaar then put South Africa in the lead after Sebastiaan Jobb took a quick tap penalty and put the big forward over for his brace, with Duarttee's conversion making it 12-7.

The USA didn't give up and almost scored, but superb defence by Williams saved a certain try, which underlined the determination in this Blitzbok team.

They cut loose in the second half to seal a great win, with Tiaan Pretorius scoring 30s after the restart to show the Blitzboks' intent. Then the three new players in the squad - Ethan James, Donovan Don and Jobb - got their names on the score sheet in a memorable match.

James scored from a brilliant kick into space by Duarttee; Don ran 80m after scooping up a loose ball on the SA 22; and Jobb went over after the hooter. All three were converted to make it a big win for the Blitzboks.

Scorers:

Springbok Sevens 7 (7) Fiji 10 (5)Springbok Sevens - Try: Shaun Williams. Conversion: Ricardo Duarttee.Fiji - Tries: Iowane Teba, Napolioni Bolaca.

Springbok Sevens 38 (12) USA 7 (7)Springbok Sevens - Tries: Christie Grobbelaar (2), Tiaan Pretorius, Ethan James, Donovan Don, Sebastiaan Jobb. Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee (4).USA - Try: Lucas Lacamp. Conversion: Steve Tomasin.