Late heroics secure victory for Springbok Sevens against Kenya

In a nail-biting finish at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the Springbok Sevens team narrowly defeated Kenya 19-17, salvaging pride and avoiding deeper disappointment.

A late try from Siviwe Soyizwapi, coupled with a successful conversion by Dewald Human, clinched the victory just as the clock wound down at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday morning (SA time). This hard-fought match marked a significant moment for the Blitzboks, confirming a ninth-place finish in the fifth tournament of the HSBC Sevens World Series season—their first spell outside the top eight.

The Blitzboks showcased their determination right from the kick off, striking hard against their African rivals. Shilton van Wyk set the tone early, powering through the Kenyan defence to score within the first minute, followed by Ricardo Duarttee’s conversion, giving South Africa an early 7-0 lead. Just two minutes into the match, Gino Cupido added to the tally, diving over in the corner to extend the lead to 12-0, leaving fans optimistic about a smooth path to victory.

However, the tide soon turned as the Blitzboks fell prey to some of the challenges that had haunted them throughout the tournament. Mistakes crept in, leading to a series of breakdown penalties that allowed Kenya to regroup and re-enter the contest. A high tackle from Ryan Oosthuizen resulted in a yellow card, leaving South Africa a man down. In that critical moment, Kenya capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa scoring a try, followed by a successful conversion that brought the teams level at halftime.

The second half saw the dramatic shift continue as Kenya regained the lead with another try, further exposing gaps in the Blitzboks’ defence. However, hope flickered when Selvyn Davids, introduced as a substitute in the second half, provided the spark that the team crucially needed. With only minutes left on the clock, Soyizwapi surged through the defence to score, sending the South African contingent into a frenzy. Human’s conversion was executed with precision, and the Blitzboks managed to hold on for the victory in a tense final minute.

This encounter marked South Africa’s third victory in five matches during the tournament, showcasing resilient team spirit amid a challenging series.