Blitzboks edge Fiji in dramatic quarterfinal

South Africa's Blitzboks demonstrated their championship mettle by overcoming a spirited Fiji side 14-12 in a tense Bordeaux Sevens quarterfinal. Fiji initially dominated, scoring two tries within the opening minutes through Viwa Naduvalo and Kavekini Tanivanuakula, with a conversion putting them up 12-0. However, the Blitzboks, showcasing their resilience, fought back before halftime with two tries from Sebastiaan Jobb, both converted by Ricardo Duarttee, to take a 14-12 lead into the break.

The second half devolved into a grueling contest as Fiji desperately sought to regain the lead. Their efforts were hampered by a yellow card to Naduvalo, disrupting their momentum. The Blitzboks' defense proved resolute, absorbing sustained pressure and holding firm until the final whistle.

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The second half was a tense battle of attrition, with Fiji pressing hard to reclaim the lead but undone by a yellow card to Naduvalo that stalled their momentum.

The match underscored the Blitzboks' capacity to recover from setbacks and perform in critical moments. Fiji, despite an unbeaten pool campaign, was left to lament missed opportunities and lapses in discipline.

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South Africa’s defence absorbed wave after wave of pressure, holding firm until the final whistle.