Ricardo Duarttee kicked a last-second penalty as a 14-man Blitzboks squad defeated New Zealand 17-14 at the Sydney Sevens.
With two victories apiece, both teams were secured a spot in the quarterfinals. However, this match was advertised as the key battle that would determine whether South Africa or New Zealand would proceed to the round of 16 as Pool B champions.
The Kiwis were odds-on favorites for obvious reasons, but the Blitzboks pulled off a classic Blitzboks victory when the odds were stacked against them.
On Saturday night, the Blitzboks will meet Ireland in the quarterfinals, while New Zealand will face Samoa in the last eight.
There was never a time when the Blitzboks or the All Blacks dominated the game, as both teams traded blows throughout the whole contest.
Joe Webber and Shilton van Wyk scored converted tries to keep the game tied at 7-7 at halftime. Roderick Solo regained the lead for New Zealand with a second touchdown, but the South Africans regained parity when Zain Davids intercepted an errant throw by the All Blacks and scored a try.
The Blitzboks suffered a significant setback when Impi Visser was dismissed for an intentional tackle at 14-14. However, New Zealand failed to maximize the chance presented to them, which proved expensive. When the Blitzboks were awarded a penalty, Tricky Ricky went up and missed the game-winning kick.
Saturday early morning (South African time), the Blitzboks defeated Uruguay 28-12.
In this match, Duarttee and Davlon Blood both scored two tries for the Springbok Sevens, while Duarttee contributed three conversions and Darren Adonis the fourth.
Blitzboks triumph over New Zealand at the Sydney Sevens.
»South Africa’s Blitzboks upset New Zealand to win Pool B at the Sydney Sevens«