The loss relegated the Blitzboks to third place in their pool. However, they responded with a convincing 33-7 victory over Uruguay in the ninth-place semi-final and will now face Kenya on Sunday in their final match of the tournament.

Following their defeat to Australia on Friday, the Blitzboks required at least a losing bonus point against New Zealand to advance. However, they struggled at the breakdown, remained under pressure throughout the match, and failed to find their rhythm.

Quewin Nortjé. Photo: SA Rugby

The opening exchanges were evenly contested, but South Africa’s execution lacked precision. Two missed try-scoring opportunities proved costly, while New Zealand capitalised on theirs, scoring twice to take a 12-0 lead into the break.

In the second half, the Blitzboks showed greater urgency in attack, but their ball carriers and support players were repeatedly outmuscled at the breakdown, resulting in crucial turnovers.

Any hopes of a comeback were effectively extinguished with four minutes remaining when Amanaki Nicole broke through a weak tackle from Ricardo Duarttee to score New Zealand’s third try, extending their lead to 17-0. A late consolation try from Donavan Don, which he converted himself, was insufficient to alter the outcome.

Gino Cupido. Photo: SA Rugby

Despite another disappointing campaign in Hong Kong, the Blitzboks responded positively in their playoff match against Uruguay, delivering a commanding performance. The encounter mirrored their pool-stage meeting on Friday, where South Africa secured a dominant 40-7 victory.

Gino Cupido, who registered his first try in the previous fixture, crossed the line twice, while Impi Visser and Shilton van Wyk capitalised on Uruguay’s handling errors to score from long range. Although Uruguay managed to breach South Africa’s defensive line late in the second half, the Blitzboks controlled proceedings and secured a comfortable win.

Scorers:

Blitzboks: Try – Donavan Don Conv. – Don
New Zealand: Tries – Cody Vai, Dylan Collier, Amanaki Nicole Conv. - Ngarohi McGarvey-Black

Blitzboks: Tries – Impi Visser, Gino Cupido (2), Shilton van Wyk, Dewald Human Conv. – Ricardo Duarttee (4)
Uruguay: Try – Mateo Vinals Conv. – Juan Manuel Tafernaberry

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg