Blitzboks face Spain for podium place in Perth
The Springbok Sevens will face Spain at 12h35 (SA time) for the bronze medal match of the HSBC SVNS in Perth after losing out in extra time of their semifinal match against Australia earlier on Sunday.
It was a tough loss for the Blitzboks as they were penalised often and that robbed them of a lot of momentum.
Australia struck first, scoring a try out wide through winger James Turner, but the response by the Blitzboks was swift. Selvyn Davids set off on a long run and after delightful interplay with Ronald Brown, scored under the sticks. Brown converted for 7-all score line.
That was also the halftime score.
Davids was at it again early in the second half. Quewin Nortje won a good turn-over and when the ball was moved wide, Davids scored in the corner for a 12-7 lead.
The Aussies came back with a try in the final minute, but it was a controversial one with a potential knock-on by Sidney Harvey claimed before he dotted down. The conversion was wide, but Australia had another chance to seal the win after a penalty in front of the SA poles. Maurice Longbottom missed the penalty attempt and extra time was called.
The extra time was one-way traffic as the Blitzboks fell afoul of a number of penalties (nine), adding to the Aussie momentum and after Ryan Oosthuizen was yellow carded for trying to intercept a pass, the home side secured their finals spot with a try by den Ekanayake in the 16th minute of play.
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