The Blitzboks scored a late converted try to secure a 21-19 win against Russia at the Paris Sevens on Saturday. MARIETTE ADAMS reports.
South Africa produced another uncharacteristically flat performance in Paris, but unlike in the match against Scotland, they found a way to win even though it came in the dying seconds of the contest when Seabelo Senatla scored and Dewald Human knocked over the conversion.
If Russia had won, Fiji would have been crowned World Rugby Sevens Series champions. As it turned out, the Blitzboks are still in with a slender chance of retaining the title.
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Power runner Vladimir Ostroushko grabbed a brace to give Russia a surprising 14-7 lead, with Werner Kok crossing for the Blitzboks.
South African speedster Siviwe Soyizwe scored a converted try to level the scores at the break.
Russia continued to frustrate the Blitzboks and were rewarded for their efforts when they regained the lead courtesy of a try by Yury Gostyuzhev. The conversion was unsuccessful.
Senatla, who was again used as a replacement, breached the Russian defence in the last minute of the game and Human nailed the conversion to secure a lucky escape for the Blitzboks.
Blitzboks remaining fixtures (Day 1):
vs Canada (6:30pm)
Photo: Sandra Ruhaut/Getty Images
