Blitzboks retain SVNS world championship after dramatic comeback win over Fiji

The quarter-final victory over the Fijians, coupled with results elsewhere, ensured South Africa would finish atop the World Championship standings regardless of Sunday's outcome, adding the crown to the HSBC SVNS Series title they secured earlier this season.

The Blitzboks were forced to come from behind after Fiji raced into a 12-0 lead, scoring twice while the South Africans were under intense pressure and lost Ryan Oosthuizen to a yellow card period.

When the Fijians also saw a man sent off, it allowed Sebastiaan Jobb to score in the corner before Ricardo Duarttee's conversion cut the deficit to five points.

Jobb then crossed for a second try as the Blitzboks capitalised on their momentum, with Duarttee's conversion putting South Africa 14-12 ahead.

The Blitzboks held firm during a tense closing spell, defending their narrow advantage until a late Fijian penalty brought the contest to an end.

Earlier on Saturday, the Blitzboks lost their final pool game by 15-12 against the Fijians, with the losing bonus point allowing them to crucially qualify for the quarter-finals.

At the final whistle, it seemed that the Blitzboks had blown their World Championship hopes, but when Argentina lost to New Zealand the South Americans, who were South Africa's closest rivals on the standings, crashed out of the top eight. That meant they could not overhaul the Blitzboks and left Australia as the only side to still pip South Africa.

The Blitzboks now face home favourites, France, in the semi-final at 13h14 (SA time) on Sunday afternoon.

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