Blitzbokke book quarters spot

Cape Town - Despite two disappointing early losses, the Springbok Sevens side booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Sevens World Series event in Wellington, New Zealand on Friday.

South Africa beat Wales 21-0 in their final pool game to finish second in their group behind Samoa. The Blitzbokke had to win the game by nine or more points in order to reach the Cup quarter-finals.

Earlier in the day all seemed lost for South Africa when they lost to Samoa (19-10) and Canada (26-15). However, with Wales beating Canada it meant South Africa, Canada and Wales finished level on points in Pool C, with the Blitzbokke advancing courtesy of a better points differential.

The last game was a much better performance from South Africa, who scored tries via Frankie Horne and Stephan Dippenaar (2). Philip Snyman kicked two conversions, with Cheslin Kolbe adding a third.

Coach Paul Treu's men will now face Pool B winners Kenya in the quarter-finals on Saturday (04:39 SA time).

Results on Friday from the Wellington Sevens, fourth round of the International Rugby Board World Series:

Pool A

England 19, New Zealand 14
Spain 10, United States 5
New Zealand 36, Spain 5
England 12, United States 12
England 28, Spain 5
New Zealand 17, United States 10

Pool B

Argentina 21, Tonga 12
Kenya 24, France 12
France 33, Tonga 7
Kenya 12, Argentina 0
Kenya 17, Tonga 10
Argentina 17, France 14

Pool C

Wales 26, Canada 17
Samoa 19, South Africa 10
Canada 26, South Africa 15
Samoa 19, Wales 12
Samoa 26, Canada 12
South Africa 21, Wales 0

Pool D

Scotland 14, Fiji 12
Australia 24, Portugal 5
Scotland 19, Portugal 7
Australia 21, Fiji 12
Australia 29, Scotland 5
Fiji 24, Portugal 7

Quarter-finals (Saturday):

England v Scotland
New Zealand v Australia
Kenya v South Africa
Argentina v Samoa