Brave Blitzboks overcome 2 yellow cards to beat NZ, face Ireland in Sydney Sevens QF

The Blitzboks showed a never-say-die attitude in their Pool B clash against New Zealand at the Sydney Sevens on Saturday as they ran out 17-14 winners despite two yellow cards. They will now face Ireland in a quarter-final clash which kicks off at 11:05 (SA time). Following a period when both sides had possession but made little progress, New Zealand opened the scoring after five minutes when Joe Webber stepped off his right foot to beat the Blitzboks' defence and speed away for a converted try under the uprights. A Shelton van Wyk try after the half-time hooter brought South Africa back into the contest, and Ricardo Duarttee levelled up proceedings at 7-all with a brilliant conversion from the right-hand touchline. The Blitzboks were on the back foot straight from the start of the second half when Jaiden Baron was sent to the bin for not allowing New Zealand to take a quick penalty. New Zealand made that extra man count by employing a kick-pass to find Roderick Solo, who beat Impi Visser to the ball and scored a converted try under the uprights for a 14-7 lead.

An intercept try by Zain Davids and Duarttee's conversion saw the teams locked at 14-all with four minutes left.  

Another yellow card, this time for a deliberate knock-down by Impi Visser, had the Blitzboks down to six men and on the backfoot for the final two minutes.South Africa, however, showed incredible heart, and a breakout by Delvon Blood led to a penalty right in front of the posts, which Duarrtee slotted for a 17-14 win.

Earlier in the day, South Africa beat Uruguay 28-14 thank to a brace from Blood and Duarttee.