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Blitzboks smash Australia for ninth spot, Kenya in Cup final

football06 April 2025 08:30
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Springbok Sevens © Gallo mImages

The Springbok Sevens side produced their best performance of the Hong Kong Sevens in the last game, as they outclassed Australia 26-7 to claim the ninth place.

 

 

While disappointed at missing out of the semifinals in a format where only the pool winners qualified, the Blitzboks won every game outside of their opener, where a red card cost them the chance to compete for higher honours.

The red card to Sebastian Jobb was crucial, as it allowed Great Britain to exploit the numerical advantage for a 38-10 win in the opening match. While the Blitzboks ended Argentina’s 15 match unbeaten run with a pulsating 26-24 win in their only other pool match, it meant they ended third in a tight group and only could play for ninth spot.

They won their ninth place semifinal 14-12 against the USA earlier on Sunday and then produced a powerful performance to beat Australia, who were the bronze medalists in Hong Kong last weekend.

Two tries from Tristan Leyds got the Blitzboks off to a great start, while Siviwe Soyizwapi added a third shortly after returning from a yellow card. Selvyn Davids added the fourth in a tight second half.

Kenya will contest the Cup final for the first time this season after beating Spain 12-5 in their semifinal. The Shujaa will take on Fiji at 1.41pm after sweeping aside France and Ireland in pool play.

 

 

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