Blitzboks make perfect start with two thrilling wins at Perth Sevens

Blitzboks captain Selvyn Davids made an immediate impact with his quick feet at the Perth Sevens on Friday. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media

Blitzboks captain Selvyn Davids made an immediate impact with his quick feet at the Perth Sevens on Friday. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media

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The Blitzboks completed a second last-gasp win at the Perth SVNS on Friday to remain unbeaten after the first day of matches.

It puts them on top of their group ahead of Saturday’s final clash against Perth defending champions Argentina.

Hosts Australia made it difficult for the South Africans in the second match of the day after they also needed a late score to beat the USA on Friday morning in the first one.

This duel was almost a carbon copy of the opener where the Springbok Sevens scored first and led, and then left the door open for the Aussies Sevens to try and sneak in for a comeback win.

That ball playmaker Dewald Human dropped with an open tryline ahead of him will probably haunt him for a bit.

He put in a neat chip over the defence, chased and caught the ball, just to knock it on before he could dive over.

— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) January 24, 2025

David Brits also threw a shoddy pass to Selvyn Davids in one attack which cost the Blitzboks prime attacking possession.

But he made up for it by collecting a loose ball from defensive pressure to barge his way over for the winning try.

Against the USA, the South Africans were up 12-0 after four minutes and they seemed to be cruising.

But a yellow card to co-captain Impi Visser saw the Americans hit back with double scores before halftime to take a 14-12 lead.

A third unconverted score after the break meant the Blitzboks had some catching up to do to get back into the fight.

Replacement Davids entered the field for his first match of the new season, and he made an immediate impact with his quick feet.

He ran for about 80 metres from his half to score the leveller, and fellow playmaker Ronald Brown also showed some silky sidestepping to razzle-dazzle an Aussie defender to score the winner under the posts.

They will have to step up their performance when they face the Argentinians on Saturday morning (7.50am). | Independent Media Sport