Werner Kok made a try-saving tackle in the in-goal area in stoppage-time as the Blitzboks ground out a 14-10 win over the USA in the semi-finals of the Vancouver Sevens.

In an attacking sense, this was far from South Africa’s best performance. They uncharacteristically gave the ball away easily and conceded six penalties in the match. But when the occasion demanded it, the Blitzboks came up with one of the finest defensive efforts to aid their cause.

Martin Iosefo put the USA in the lead after they halted a Blitzboks attack, effected turnover possession and scored at the other end. But the Blitzboks hit back through captain Philip Snyman, who ghosted through an opening after they had strung together a couple of phases inside the 22. Cecil Afrika succeeded with the conversion for a 10-7 advantage at half-time.

ALSO READ: Blitzboks crush Canada

Dan Norton flew down the left wing early in the second half, drawing the attention of three South African defenders, which created an overlap on the right flank. The USA recycled the ball quickly and Andrew Durutalo dotted down to put his side back in the ascendency, although Madison Hughes failed to land the conversion again.

As has become customary, it took a moment of individual brilliance from Rosco Speckman to get South Africa back on track. The speedster put his head down and used sheer pace to cut open the stern USA defence for an important try behind the posts, making it easy for Afrika to land the conversion.

With a four-point difference, the USA had an opportunity to heist a win at the death as they went side to side on attack right on the tryline, but there was no way through the resilient Blitzboks wall. With the clock moving into stoppage-time, Durutalo made a play for the line, but Kok somehow managed to put himself between the ball-carrier and the grass to prevent what would have been a match-winning try. 

The Blitzboks will face England in the Cup final at 03:19 (SA time).

Vancouver Sevens fixtures and results

Photo: Blitzboks