The Blitzboks scored a try in the final play to beat six-man Australia in a thrilling playoff to secure an Olympic Games bronze medal on Saturday.
Tries from Selvyn Davids and Shaun Williams, to go with a brace from forward Zain Davids, took the Blitzboks to a 26-19 victory in the bronze medal playoffs in Paris.
Having come into the Olympic Games as underdogs after a poor Sevens Series and having to secure qualification through the repechage, South Africa secured their second bronze medal, matching their result in the 2016 tournament.
Meanwhile, France dethroned two-time Olympic champions Fiji to claim gold, with Antoine Dupont coming off the bench to score two tries and set up another in a 28-7 win.
The Springbok Sevens had to do it the hard way, trailing 7-5 at half time and letting Australia back into the match despite playing with a numbers advantage.
Selvyn Davids scored just before the break to get the Blitzboks on the board. When Zain Davids scored a quickfire brace, in between Australia losing Nick Malouf to a red card for a dangerous tackle, it appeared South Africa were en route to a comfortable win.
However, Australia grabbed two quick tries to level the scores at 19-19 and make it a nailbiting finish to the match.
Crucially, the Blitzboks secured possession from the kick off, with Selvyn Davids using his pace to beat his man on the outside and sprint clear, unselfishly giving the ball to Williams over the tryline.
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
