Despite losing to Fiji 19-24 in extra time, the Blitzboks qualified for the HSBC SVNS Singapore Cup Semi Final and will face France on Sunday at 09:14 (SA Time) on Sunday.
A brilliant line-break by Tristan Leyds saw him score the Blitzboks’ first points of the match. Two minutes later, Leyds kicked a brilliant kick pass to Donovan Don, who scored the Blitzboks’ second try. Ricardo Duarttee converted both tries to extend the Blitzboks’ lead to 14-00.
With time up on the clock, Fiji opened their account following a brilliant pass, going into the second half 07-14 behind.
Fiji opened the scoring in the second half to level the scores at 14-14 after just one minute of play in the second half.
A mistake by Fiji led to Siviwe Soyizwapi setting Christie Grobbelaar away out wide to retake the lead 19-14 with four minutes to play.
A yellow card to David Brits opened the space out wide for Fiji to level the scores at 19-19. Two minutes later, Donovan Don also got his marching orders two minutes later.
During extra time, Fiji turned to their usual direct and aggressive play and scored the winning try to win Pool A 24-19.
Scorers:
Blitzboks: Tries: Tristan Leyds, Donovan Don, Christie Grobbelaar. Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee (2).
Fiji: Tries: Terio Veilawa (2), Jeremaia Matana, Nacani Boginisoko. Conversions: Terio Veilawa (2).
Teams:
Blitzboks: Ryan Oosthuizen, Zander Reynders, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Donavan Don, Tristan Leyds, Shilton van Wyk, Ricardo Duarttee. Replacements: Sebastiaan Jobb, Luan Giliomee, David Brits, Sonwabo Sokoyi, Christie Grobbelaar.
Fiji: Joseva Talacolo, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, Tira Wilagi, Douglas Daveta, Terio Veilawa, Nacani Boginisoko, Manueli Maisamoa. Replacements: Pilipo Bukayaro, Iowane Teba, Viwa Naduvalo, George Bose.