Blitzboks sail into semifinals after perfect opening day at Cape Town SVNS

The Blitzboks faced a tough pool that included traditional heavyweights Fiji and New Zealand but rose superbly to the challenge with an impressive day-one performance at DHL Stadium.

The hosts were made to work hardest in their opener against Fiji, edging a dramatic 24-21 victory thanks to a last-gasp hat-trick try from Shilton van Wyk.

South Africa trailed 14-12 at the break and fell further behind early in the second half, but they produced an epic finish as Van Wyk struck twice late to snatch the win.

They then showed resilience against New Zealand in a tough, physical encounter, despite receiving two yellow cards in the first half and spending long periods on defence.

Donavan Don got the Blitzboks going early in the second half, Van Wyk added another after pouncing on a loose ball, and Ronald Brown sealed a hard-fought 19-14 win with a decisive late try. A New Zealand score after the buzzer proved only a consolation.

South Africa finished the day in emphatic fashion with a dominant 41-7 win over Great Britain, running in seven tries.

Don crossed twice, debutant Nabo Sokoyi grabbed his first try for the Blitzboks, while Christie Grobbelaar, Impi Visser and David Brits also got in on the act as the hosts raced into a commanding half-time lead and never looked back.

Sunday's semifinal against France kicks off at 12h22.

Argentina and Fiji will contest the other semi-final at 12h44, while Dubai champions New Zealand drop into the fifth-place playoffs after losing two of their pool matches.

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