South Africa’s flying start to the Hong Kong Sevens came to a halt when log-leaders New Zealand edged the Blitzboks in their second clash of the tournament.

Both teams were unbeaten after impressive opening match wins, and it was all square on seven-all at half time in their second Pool D clash at the Hong Kong Stadium, before the Kiwis secured a 12-7 victory.

Leroy Carter struck the first blow for the men in black when he crossed the whitewash in the third minute of the encounter, and Akuila Rokolisoa added the extras, but the Blitzboks hit back through speedster Mfundo Ndhlovu’s second try of the competition.

Ricardo Duarttee nailed the conversion, yet it would be the South Africans’ last contribution to the match tally, with Codemeru Vai’s touchdown four minutes from the final whistle enough to clinch the win for New Zealand.

The Blitzboks will now regroup to face winless African rivals Kenya in their final Pool D game at 09:25.

Pace, power and panache from @nz_sevens #HSBC7s | #HK7s pic.twitter.com/B3at62IWNY

— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) April 1, 2023