By Lucky Maree
The way South Africa start their first match in Vancouver is disappointing to say the least.
While the Blitzboks show a lot of commitment on defence, the French, as everybody knows, can be unstoppable.
By the end of the first half, France have scored three tries to none and lead 19-0. Good defence is all good and well, but it doesn’t put points on the scoreboard. Sooner or later the South Africans will have to attack
Whether the French lose interest or whether the Blitzboks suddenly wake up, the second half is a mirror image of the first.
The structured, committed play that the South Africans are famous for kicks in, and they score two tries. Then on full time, Siviwe Soyizwapi goes over in the corner. With the conversion to come, South Africa trail by two.
But Ricardo Duarttee slots the very difficult kick to draw the match. It may be the most important kick of his short career so far.
As expected, Japan comes out fighting, but they are no match for the men in green and gold. They concede five tries in the first half without reply.
It’s a near perfect first seven minutes for the Blitzboks but in the second half they let the Japanese score two tries through careless play. Debutant Noegh Hayward scores his first try, to give the Blitzboks a victory by 28 points.
Argentina’s 21-12 win over France, means that points difference may very decide who goes into the top half of the finals draw – with South Africa, France and Argentina still all in with a chance.
South Africa’s draw against France may still cost South Africa a place in the finals.
We find out on Saturday night at 23.26pm.
Blitzboks (3 tries) 19-19 (3 tries) France
Blitzboks (6 tries) 40-12 (2 tries) Japan
Pictured above: The Blitzboks squad in Vancouver
Image source: Blitzboks
