Share

NZ add to Blitzboks woes in London with last-gasp win

Cape Town - New Zealand have claimed 5th place at the London Sevens after beating the Blitzboks 21-17 in a pulsating encounter at Twickenham. 

New Zealand opened the scoring after two minutes with a converted score by Sione Molia who beat a number of defenders to score under the posts for a 7-0 lead. 

South Africa hit back with Muller du Plessis but the conversion was missed as New Zealand still led 7-5 after four minutes. 

The Blitzboks then took the lead with Du Plessis steaming away from the All Black defence for his second of the match.

Again the conversion sailed wide but South Africa led 10-7 at half-time.

New Zealand were back into in front after three minutes of the second half with Andrew Knewstub stretching and just making the line with a converted try which saw them out to a 14-10 lead. 

In a topsy turvey affair, South Africa hit the front again with Steadman Gans crashing over for a converted try to put South Africa 17-14 up with a minute to play. 

But New Zealand were not done and a converted try by captain Tim Mikkelson on the hooter broke Blitzboks hearts.

Earlier, South Africa were suprisingly beaten by Australia in their quarter-final clash, going down 29-22.

Next week, the final tournament in the World Sevens Series takes place in Paris. 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1116 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1281 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1975 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE