Blitzboks Dubai dream ends

Cape Town - The Blitzboks have been beaten 21-19 by the USA in a quarter-final at the Dubai Sevens ending their hopes of defending their tournament crown. 

The USA opened the scoring with a converted try through Perry Baker after they had worked an overlap out to the right. 

The Blitzboks answered almost immediately after Justin Geduld pounced on a loose ball to go over unopposed for a converted try. 

Philip Snyman added a further unconverted try before half-time for the Blitzboks to lead by 12-7 at the break. 

Seabelo Senatla scored his 7th try of the tournament shortly after the restart to extend the lead to 19-7 but then received a yellow card for taking out a US player in the air. 

The loss of Senatla proved vital to the outcome of the match, allowing the USA to score a long range try through Metai Leuta followed by another quick score through Carlin Isles, both of which were converted for a 21-19 lead with two minutes to play.

With everything to play for and Senatla back on the field, the Blitzboks needed something special. The USA however, managed to run the clock down and secure victory.

They will now play England in the semi-final while the Blitzboks move into the plate section where they will face Argentina who had earlier lost to England.