Blitzboks lose, but top pool

South Africa’s Sevens side moved into the quarterfinals of the Sydney Sevens despite losing their final pool game of day one to hosts Australia on Saturday.

The Blitzboks won their opening two games against Tonga and Argentina, but were surprised by the hosts who were desperate to make it into the quarters and have a chance at defending the crown they won last year.

The Blitzboks were outscored five tries to three as they went down 29-21 to Australia. This meant that all three sides – South Africa, Australia and Argentina all ended the pool on seven points each, but the Blitzboks topped the pool with a better points difference.

It was important because it means they will face England in the quarterfinals on Sunday rather than Fiji, who beat them comprehensively in Hamilton last weekend.

Two tries by Justin Geduld and another by Stedman Gans was all the reward they had for the final match.

Captain Phillip Snyman, who took a hard knock to the face against Tonga, sat out the rest of the day and an assessment will be made overnight on his fitness, with Kyle Brown on standby if he is not declared fit overnight.

Earlier, the Blitzboks beat Tonga 45-5 and Argentina 25-10 to get to the quarters.