The Blitzboks started the 2023 HSBC World Rugby Sevens campaign in London losing 15-19 against Great Brittian 7s.
Great Brittain 7s led 19-05 at the halftime break leaving the Blitzboks the task to score three tries, which they did, unfortunately, they could not convert any of their tries.
Great Brittain 7s started like a house on fire, controlling the ball from the kick-off. They were patient in their buildup until space out wide opened up for them. Two quick tries within two minutes gave them a 12-00 lead with four minutes to play.
Blitzboks' captain receives a great pass from Ricardo Duarttee to score the Blitzboks' first try out wide.
Once again the patient attack by Great Brittain combined with brilliant handling resulted in Femi Sofolarin's second try with seconds to go in the first half.
Great Brittain was in control, leading 19-05 at the halftime break.
The Blitzboks were first to strike with Ryan Oosthuizen the first to strike. Oosthuizen beat several attackers on his way to the tryline after four minutes of play in the second half.
Ricardo Duarttee did great work and sent Shaun Williams away with a brilliant pass to score the Blitzboks' third try to reduce Great Brittain 7s lead to just 15-19.
Unfortunately, the time ran out for the Blitzboks with Great Brittain 7s winning 19-15.
Scorers:
Great Brittain 7s: Tries: Femi Sofolarin, Api Bavadra. Conversions: Kaleem Barreto (2).
Blitzboks: Tries: Siviwe Soyizwapi, Ryan Oosthuizen, Shaun Williams.
Teams:
Blitzboks: Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Christie Grobbelaar, Justin Geduld, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton van Wyk, Ricardo Duarttee. Replacements: Mfundo Ndhlovu, James Murphy, Ronald Brown, Shaun Williams, Travis Ismaiel
Great Brittain 7s: Ethan Waddleton, James Barden, Api Bavardra, Robbie Ferguson, Kaleem Barreto, Will Homer, Femi Sofolarin. Replacements: Ross McCann, Paddy Kelly, Freddie Roddick, Nathan Greenwood, Matt Davidson.