Blitzboks edge Australia to book Dubai Sevens quarter-final clash against Samoa

Blitzboks booked their passage to the Dubai Sevens quarter-finals against Samoa after edging Australia to 19-12 win on Friday evening.

Three tries courtesy of Siviwe Soyizwapi, JC Pretorius and Dalvon Blood kept an ill-disciplined Aussie outfit out of reach.

Australia suffered a blow as Nathan Lawson and Dietrich Roache both received yellow cards in the first half, which the South Africans used to their advantage.

The Blitzboks were desperate for a win after starting their campaign on a low note when they lost 14-5 to Great Britain.

However, Sandile Ngcobo's charges recovered and put the sword to Kenya before earning a win against Australia as South Africa continue their quest in the third leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Blitzboks are in action on Saturday against Samoa at 09:34 (SA time) for the quarter-finals.

Scorers:

Blitzboks 19 (7)

Tries: Siviwe Soyizwapi, JC Pretorius and Dalvon Blood

Conversions: Dewald Human, Branco du Preez

Australia 12 (7)

Tries: Nathan Lawson, Maurice Longbottom 

Conversion: Dietrich Roache

Springbok Sevens squad for Dubai:

Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser, Zain Davids, James Murphy, JC Pretorius, Masande Mtshali, Siviwe Soyizwapi (captain), Branco du Preez, Dewald Human, Shilton van Wyk, Dalvon Blood, Muller du Plessis, Ricardo Duarttee