Watch: Blitzboks on song in Hong Kong
The South African sevens side has to work hard to win the first of their three pool matches at the Hong Kong Sevens.
South Africa claimed a hard-fought win against Ireland on day one of the Hong Kong Sevens, as the Blitzboks look to boost their drive for Olympic Games qualification.
With the score tied 7-all at half time, Zain Davids crashed over late on in the second half and Ricardo Duarttee nailed the crucial conversion from out wide, before the South Africans dug deep on defence for a 14-7 victory.
Zain Davids stepping up in the final minutes for the @Blitzboks 🤯#HK7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/wyRRP3838a
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) March 31, 2023
Speedster Mfundo Ndhlovu split the line for the opening try after a dominant period of possession by the South Africans, and Duarttee added the extras, but Ireland drew level before the break through a converted touchdown by Matt McDonald.
But, Davids showed an impressive turn of speed for a big man to round the cover defence, with the Blitzboks doing enough to ward off a fightback from the Irish in added time.
The Blitzboks next face series leaders New Zealand tomorrow (05:04), before a clash with African rivals Kenya in their final Pool D game (09:25).
HUGE defence gets the win for @Blitzboks 💥#HK7s | #ImpactMoment | @DHLRugby pic.twitter.com/llvq6zy0SY
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) March 31, 2023
Victory over Ireland, just what the doctor ordered for the #Blitzboks at the #HK7s – more here: https://t.co/592aao8DSR ⚡️⚡️⚡️#BlitzIgnite pic.twitter.com/99qevFghtm
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) March 31, 2023
Read original story on www.sarugbymag.co.za
