South Africa rugby seven national team Blitzboks have claimed bronze at the World Cup in San Francisco on Sunday.
New Zealand defended their tittle destroying England 33-12 in a shock final match-up as many expected Fiji and South Africa to be fighting it out for glory.
After their agonizing 29-7 loss to England in a riveting semi-final encounter, the Neil Powell coached side, with a number of new faces showed that the depth of sevens rugby in South Africa is indeed impressive.
South Africa proved too strong from the outset, racing to a 17-0 lead through tries to Philip Snyman, Zain Davids and Justin Geduld before Sevuloni Mocenacagi dragged one back for Fiji to make it 17-7 at the half.
Blitzboks extended their lead through Siviwe Soyizwapi but Fiji never gave in, with Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova crossing, but it was too little, too late for Gareth Baber’s side.
In an interview after the win, Neil Powell told Sport24 that he was happy with the medal although it is not what they had expected.
“What is most pleasing for me is the fact that, after that disappointment against England, we came out firing against Fiji and outplayed them to finish the season on a very strong performance.
“We have lost against them six times during the World Series, so to be able to beat them here was a huge effort from the players. We will never be happy with anything but first place, but the bronze medal does help to justify the efforts and sacrifices a little bit.”
The performances of other African teams in the three-day tournament were not impressive. Kenya were defeated by Japan to finish 15th in the 24-team tournament.
Uganda went down to Uruguay for 19th place and Zimbabwe defeated Jamaica for 23rd.
Scorers: SA v Fiji
South Africa
Tries: Philip Snyman, Zain Davids, Justin Geduld, Siviwe Soyizwapi
Conversions: Selvyn Davids, Geduld
Fiji
Tries: Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova
Conversions: Vatemo Ravouvou, Amenoni Nasilasila.
