Blitzboks Fall Short Against New Zealand: 5th Place Playoff Preview

South Africa will face France at 15h06 (SA time) in the 5th place playoff.

In the quarterfinal match, both teams had chances to win. The Blitzboks were attacking late in the game when Shilton van Wyk made a loose pass. A New Zealand defender intercepted it, leading to a try. This marked New Zealand’s first win over South Africa at this venue in nearly ten years.

Quewin Nortje scored first for South Africa, with Tristan Leyds converting to give them a 7-0 lead. Ngarohi McGarvey-Black then scored and converted to tie the game at 7-7 by halftime.

In the second half, Nortje scored again, putting South Africa ahead 12-7. McGarvey-Black scored again, giving New Zealand a 14-12 lead.

Donavan Don scored a try for South Africa, bringing the score to 17-14. Sofia Maka responded for New Zealand with a try, ending the match at 19-17 in favor of New Zealand.

Scoring summary:

• South Africa: 17 (7)
  • Tries: Quewin Nortje (2), Donavan Don
  • Conversion: Tristan Leyds
• New Zealand: 24 (7)
  • Tries: Ngarohi McGarvey-Black (2), Sofai Maka (2)
  • Conversions: McGarvey-Black (2)