The Blitzboks were outmuscled by Australia in their final pool match at the SVNS World Championship in Valladolid on Saturday.
However, Philip Snyman’s men still secured a quarter-final spot despite the 24-14 defeat by finishing second in Pool A, and will face the winners of Pool C (likely Fiji) at 5:11pm (SA time).
Having claimed unconvincing wins against Great Britain and Kenya on day one, the Blitzboks opening the scoring against Australia after three minutes through Quewin Nortje, with Tristan Leyds adding the conversion.
But tries to Harry Wilson and Henry Hutchison gave Australia a 10-7 lead at the break.
Gino Cupido restored South Africa’s lead early in the second half with a blistering run through the middle of the Australian defence, Ricardo Duarttee adding the extras.
Australia responded strongly, with an inside pass releasing Ben Dowling to dot down.
Straight after the restart, a Blitzboks mistake handed Josh Turner a try and James McGregor converted to seal the win.
Photo: Juan Barbosa/Reuters
The post Blitzboks into quarters despite Australia defeat appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
South Africa were outmuscled by Australia in their final match before the knockouts but still secured a quarter-final spot with a second-place finish in Pool A.
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