The Blitzboks failed to take revenge for their 19-24 loss to Fiji in Singapore, and following a brilliant second half, Fiji won 20-14.
The Blitzboks were extremely patient in their attack until Tristan Leyds put Zain Davids into a gap to score the Blitzboks' first try. Ricardo Duarttee converted to extend the Blitzboks’ lead to 07-00 after four minutes of play.
Two minutes later, the Blitzboks’ patience on the attack once again saw Sebastiaan Jobb score in the corner. Ricardo Duarttee converted to extend the Blitzboks’ lead to 14-00.
With time up in the first half, Fiji’s Nacani Boginisoko crashed over in the corner to trail 05-14 going into the second half.
Fiji attacked from the start of the second half, and Viwa Naduvalo scored their second try, cutting the Blitzboks’ lead to four points.
With the momentum with Fiji, Viwa Naduvalo scored a brilliant try down the touchline to lead 15-14 with four minutes still to play.
Iowane Teba scored Fiji’s fourth unanswered try to extend their lead to 20-14 with two minutes to play in the second half.
Despite losing to Fiji, the Blitzboks will face the winners of Pool B on Sunday at 07:19 (SA Time)
Scorers:
Blitzboks: Tries: Zain Davids, Sebastiaan Jobb. Conversion: Ricardo Duarttee (2)
Fiji: Tries: Nacani Boginisoko, Viwa Naduvalo (2), Iowane Teba.
Teams:
Blitzboks: David Brits, Zain Davids, Christie Grobbelaar, Sebastiaan Jobb, Tristan Leyds, Shilton van Wyk, Ricardo Duarttee. Replacements: Donavan Don, Ryan Oosthuizen, Luan Giliomee, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Renaldo Young.
Fiji: Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jeremaia Matana, Nacani Boginisoko, Douglas Daveta, Terio Veilawa, Viwa Naduvalo, George Bose. Replacements: Joseva Talacolo, Pilipo Bukayaro, Kavekini Tanivanuakula, Iowane Teba, Manueli Maisamoa.