Blitzbokke fall in Glasgow

Glasgow -  Kenya have ended South Africa’s participation at the Glasgow Sevens with a rare 14-7 victory in their Plate semi-final clash on Sunday afternoon.

Earlier, hosts Scotland scored a surprise but deserved 12-7 win over the Springbok Sevens in their Cup quarter-final clash to relegate the South Africans to the Plate competition.

South Africa’s early exit effectively brought an end to the Springbok Sevens’ HSBC World Sevens Series title ambitions. South Africa, missing Kyle Brown and Cecil Africa, started the Glasgow Sevens seven points adrift of World Series leaders New Zealand.

With just one more round to complete in London next weekend, the Springbok Sevens now will have turn their sights on securing second position on the log table.

Against Scotland, Justin Geduld danced his way through several defenders on his way to scoring the opening try. However, Scotland had other plans and the tournament hosts hit back with two telling scores to lead 12-7 at the break. Richie Vernon and then Scott Riddell crashed over for tries to put the home team in front.

The second half was a huge forwards tussle, but Scotland stood firm in their defensive line to keep South Africa from another crucial try.

Meanwhile, Kenya also lost their quarter-final to eventual Cup finalists Canada 14-5, which then set up an all-African Plate semi-final affair with the Blitzboks.

Humphrey Kayange scored twice before half-time to put Kenya 14-0 in front, with the Blitzboks struggling to get their hands on the ball.

In the second half, Kenya -- coached by former Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu - frustrated the South Africans with tenacious tackling.

Geduld eventually managed to break free and dotted down under the posts.

The hooter came a few seconds after the successful conversion kick to end defending champions South Africa’s participation at the Glasgow Sevens.

New Zealand and Canada will meet in the Cup final later on Sunday evening.