The Blitzboks defeated New Zealand 12-7 to progress to the Cup semi-finals of the Singapore Sevens, where they will face Fiji, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Ironically, the Springbok Sevens suffered a 12-7 defeat to the Kiwis in last weekend's Hong Kong Sevens Cup semi-finals, but this time around they would finally have their revenge.

Seabelo Senatla scored an important early try for the Blitzboks in Sunday's Cup quarter-final in Singapore, but with two minutes left to play in the first half, New Zealand's Kurt Baker dotted down to hand his side the lead.

Yet it would be South Africa with the final say before the break as captain Kyle Brown showed some superb vision to pick up and burrow over the tryline.

Holding on to just a five-point lead, the Blitzboks then displayed immense tenacity and commitment on defence to thwart New Zealand time and time again in the second half.

The Kiwis would launch one late surge as they went in search of a match-winning try, but this time the Blitzboks would not be denied, and after winning a penalty at the breakdown, they mercifully kicked the ball into touch and celebrated a win that sets up a semi-final date with Fiji.

The Cup semi-finals start at 10:26 SA time.

Photo: Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images