Spain shocked the big crowd to take a 12-0 lead with two tries in quick succession shortly before the break, with the Blitzboks stuck in their own half with very little possession. A number of lost lineouts didn’t help their cause as the team in red made the most of their opportunities.
However, a breakaway try by Zain Davids on the stroke of half-time gave the South Africans and their fans a glimmer of hope against last weekend’s runners up in Dubai. Tristan Leyds missed the conversion and Spain led by 12-5 at the break.
The Blitzboks had the best possible start to the second half though when they spread the ball wide quickly from a lineout to Shilton van Wyk, who sped away for a brilliant try, with Leyds’ conversion levelling the scores with six minutes to go.
A few minutes later, the Blitzboks again attacked from a set piece, this time a scrum in the Spanish 22, and Leyds had just enough space to go over under the sticks, with his conversion putting the hosts in the lead by seven points.
The Blitzboks kept up the pressure and were denied a fourth try when Shaun Williams was tackled into touch on the corner flag, after which Spain forced a few penalties and worked their way up-field, but the hosts’ defence held firm to secure the victory.
Ricardo Duarttee on the attack against Spain.
France beat Fiji by 19-17 after scoring a converted try in the corner with time up on the clock in the second semi-final to set up the final against the Blitzboks – kick-off is at 19h11.
The last time South Africa won their home tournament at DHL Stadium was in 2015, against Argentina in the final. They were runners up in 2016 (against England) and 2019 (against New Zealand).
In the women’s competition, New Zealand had too much class for France and won their semi-final by 43-0, setting up a final against USA, who upset last week’s champions in Duban, Australia, by 24-19 in the second semi-final.
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More to follow…
Scorers:
Blitzboks 19 (5) Spain 12 (12)
Blitzboks – Tries: Zain Davids, Shilton van Wyk, Tristan Leyds. Conversions: Leyds (2).
Spain – Tries: Eduardo Lopez, Alejandro Laforga. Conversion: Francisco Cosculluela.