The Blitboks started the defence of their HSBC Cape Town SVNS title with a hard-fought 24-21 win over Fiji, with the three tries by Shilton van Wyk the difference between winning and losing.
Fiji started with a bang and once again exposed the Blitzboks' “unwillingness” to defend against the big guys. Apete Narogo scored a great try, converted by Terio Veilawa to extend Fiji’s lead to 07-00 after just two minutes of play.
However, the Blitzboks replied immediately when Christie Grobbelaar attacked down the touchline to level the score following a conversion by Ricardo Duarttee. However, with the tries coming quickly and fast, Fiji led 14-12 going into the second half.
Fiji struck first in the second half when Joseva Talacolo scored Fiji’s third try. Terio Veilawa converted to extend Fiji’s lead to nine points, and three minutes left to play.
A storming try by Shilton van Wyk, which was converted by Ronald Brown, was followed by a second try by Shilton van Wyk to secure a 24-21 win.
Teams:
Blitzboks: David Brits, Zain Davids, Christie Grobbelaar, Tristan Leyds, Shilton van Wyk, Ricardo Duarttee, Impi Visser. Replacements: Donavan Don, Ryan Oosthuizen, Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown, Zander Reynders.
Fiji 7’s: Joseva Talacolo, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jeremaia Matana, Apete Narogo, Terio Veilawa, Viwa Naduvalo, George Bose. Replacements: Pilipo Bukayaro, Waisea Nacuqu, Manueli Maisamoa, Rauto Vakadranu.
