Blitzboks edge France 22-17 in semi-final to advance to Cape Town final

The Springbok Sevens are through to the HSBC SVNS Cape Town final at 4.43pm on Sunday after edging France 22-17 in a gripping semi-final at DHL Stadium.

South Africa crossed four times to France’s three, with the Blitzboks’ pace, pressure and clever decision-making proving decisive in front of a roaring home crowd.

Shilton van Wyk struck first, carrying his electric form from Saturday into Sunday’s knockout clash. The speedster scored in the opening minute after the Blitzboks controlled possession from the kickoff. Tristan Leyds added a brilliant individual effort soon after, catching France off-guard with a quick tap following a ruck penalty to push the hosts 10-0 ahead.

France hit back through Jordan Sepho shortly before half-time, but Van Wyk pounced again almost immediately from the restart, scooping up a fortunate bounce and racing 60m to score. Ricardo Duarttee’s conversion stretched the lead to 17-5.

The momentum swung again when Josselin Bouhier finished for France just before the break, and the same player levelled matters early in the second half with another long-range effort from a bouncing ball.

Locked at 17-17, the Blitzboks absorbed pressure and held their nerve. The breakthrough came when Ryan Oosthuizen forced a turnover inside France’s 22 and powered over for the match-winner.

France earned one last chance from a free kick after South Africa delayed a restart, but the home side’s defence stayed composed to secure a spot in the final against Argentina.

Scorers: Springbok Sevens 22 (17) Tries: Shilton van Wyk (2), Tristan Leyds, Ryan Oosthuizen Conversion: Ricardo Duarttee

France 17 (12) Tries: Jordan Sepho, Josselin Bouhier (2) Conversion: Stephen Parez Edo Martin

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