Blitzboks scrape through to Hong Kong Sevens quarters despite French loss

France produced a fighting second-half to hold on for a victory against the Blitzboks in their final Pool B encounter in the Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday.

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On Saturday morning, South Africa produced a disappointing performance as they suffered a 12-10 defeat to Great Britain.

The Springbok Sevens could not bounce back as they lost to France 17-19 despite leading 17-7 at half-time.

The loss means that France tops Pool B and the Blitzboks scrape through to the quarter-finals courtesy of points difference and finish second in the pool.

Ronald Brown opened the scoring for the Blitzboks in the middle of the poles, which he converted. Impi Visser soon followed with a try of his own before Selvyn Davids scored in the corner.

France countered with a try from Aaron Grandidier in the first half, which saw Marius Domon land the conversion as South Africa took the first half.

However, in the second half, it was all France as they came back with a bang to top their pool.

Leraitre Paul crossed the whitewash and Grandidier sealed a brace to put France in the lead and keep the Blitzboks at bay.

It was a sloppy performance from South Africa as they missed several try opportunities, losing the ball and advantage to a resurgent French outfit.

South Africa next face rivals Fiji in their Cup quarter-final game on Sunday at 05:50 SA time. 

Scorers:

South Africa 17 (17)

Tries: Ronald Brown, Impi Visser, Selvyn Davids

Conversion: Brown

France 19 (7)

Tries: Aaron Grandidier (2), Leraitre Paul 

Conversions: Marius Domon (2)