Stalwarts shine as shaky Blitzboks stay unbeaten in Vancouver to book Cup QF against Samoa

Two of the Blitzboks' unsung heroes inspired a stirring comeback against the Australians as Neil Powell's troops ended the group stage of the Vancouver Sevens unbeaten on Sunday morning.

Zain Davids and JC Pretorius both scored tries in the final minutes, allowing the South Africans to recover from 10-19 deficit to sneak a 22-19 win.

“Absolute raw power” ??Zain Davids powers over the line for @Blitzboks!#HSBC7s | #Canada7s pic.twitter.com/p6Wqd4JIPb

Much like the rest of their day, it was a shaky showing from the Blitzboks, who struggled to shut out their opponents when it seemed as if the time was ripe to do so.

Ronald Brown had opened the scoring in the first minute, only for the South Africans to concede almost immediately after when Ben Marr touched down.

Typically determined, Brown was over the whitewash again before he and his team-mates lost their grip on the match.

Matthew Gonzalez gave the Australians the half-time lead on the whistle for the break, an advantage cemented when Nick Malouf scored their third try.

But, in a three-minute period that Powell will hope galvanises his charges for the play-offs, the Blitzboks showcased their familiar steel as Pretorius commenced the fightback.

Davids then sealed the deal with a try of raw power, feasting on a cut-out ball and then brushing off three defenders.

READ | Blitzboks start Vancouver Sevens on high note with hard-fought win over Spain

Earlier, the Blitzboks required a try from Selvyn Davids at the death to keep a bustling Canada at bay.

Pretorius and Brown had given them a 14-0 lead at half-time, but Cooper Coats and David Richard monopolised the scoring in the second half before the South African scraped through.

They had started their day with a 31-12 win over Spain,