Blitzboks fall short once again

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The Blitzboks suffered a second Cup quarter-final defeat in two weeks, a second-half fightback not enough to trump Samoa at the Canada Sevens on Sunday.

Trailing 21-0 at half time, Zain Davids scored the first try in the second half for South Africa, but Samoa replied via Malu Falaniko, with Melani Matavao duly converting.

Selvyn Davids pulled another one back for SA, before Ronald Brown added his name to scoresheet, but Neil Powell’s men ultimately fell short 28-17.

SA were without key players Ryan Oosthuizen, Dewald Human and Darren Adonis, who were ruled out due to injury, and their absence was telling.

Coming off an early playoff defeat to Fiji in Singapore last week, the Blitzboks made a strong start to their defence of the Vancouver title on Saturday by beating Spain, Canada and Australia to top Pool C.

But, on Sunday, Powell’s troops again conceded a couple of penalties at the start and the Samoans were quick to punish them, David Afamasaga going over in the corner. Matavao added the extras.

The penalties continued to rain down and SA were soon staring down a 21-0 lead for Samoa after two converted tries for Vaa Apelu Maliko.

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Devin Hermanus