The Blitzboks have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Valladolid Sevens after a thrilling 14-12 win over hosts Spain on Saturday. A try-saving tackle by Sebastiaan Jobb was the turning point in the match, which saw the South African side come from behind to secure the victory.
The match got off to a tough start for the Blitzboks, with Spain racing into a 12-0 lead in the opening seven minutes. However, the South African side has built a reputation for resilience, and they began to fight back when captain Impi Visser crossed for a converted try to cut the deficit to 12-7.
Jobb’s Stunning Tackle
The seeds of their comeback were sown when Jobb produced a remarkable chase and managed to knock the ball from Ángel Bozal’s grasp just inches short of the line in a dramatic, try-saving intervention. This tackle not only prevented Spain from regaining control of the contest but also gave the Blitzboks the momentum they needed to take the lead.
Jayden Nell crossed for his first try in South African colours, and Ricardo Duarttee added his second conversion of the match to give the Blitzboks a 14-12 lead. From there, South Africa calmly managed the closing stages to secure their place in the final four.
Upcoming Semi-Final Match
The Blitzboks will now face Argentina in the second men’s Cup semi-final on Sunday, while Australia and Fiji meet in the other last-four clash. According to the World Rugby website, the Valladolid Sevens is one of the most competitive tournaments in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Here are the details of the match:
- South Africa 14 (0) – Tries: Impi Visser, Jayden Nell. Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee (2).
- Spain 12 (12) – Tries: Josep Serres, Manu Moreno. Conversion: Juan Ramos.
The Blitzboks’ victory is a testament to their determination and skill, and they will be looking to carry this momentum into their semi-final match against Argentina.
