The Blitzboks overcame a stern challenge from their African rivals Kenya to clinch a top nine finish at the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday.
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Having missed out on qualification for the Cup quarter-finals, the Blitzboks went straight into the ninth/10th playoff rounds.
On Saturday, they beat Uruguay 33-7 in the semi-finals of ninth-place playoff, to set up a clash with Kenya a day later.
As it turned out, Kenya were a far more challenging opponent than the Uruguayans.
Early tries by Shilton van Wyk and breakout star Gino Cupido gave the Blitzboks a 12-0 lead, but a try-double from Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa saw Kenya level the scores at 12-all.
The Blitzboks lost the plot somewhat thereafter and had to play with a man down when Ryan Oosthuizen was sent off. Kenya exploited their man-over advantage to the fullest with Patrick Odongo Okong crossing for a third try to put them in front for the first time in the game.
Trailing 17-12, the Blitzboks needed a response fast and it came from former skipper Siviwe Soyizwapi, who scored with just over a minute remaining to lock the scores up again. Dewald Human split the uprights with the conversion to regain the lead for South Africa.
And while Kenya pushed for a late winner, the Blitzboks held on to secure a hard-fought victory.
WILL THE BLITZBOKS EVER WIN THE HONG KONG SEVENS?
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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/blitzboks/blitzboks-finish-ninth-in-hong-kong/
