Impi Visser Impi Visser in action for the Blitzboks. Photo: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers
Spain claimed the bronze medal at the Perth Sevens on Sunday after a hard-fought 14-7 victory over the Blitzboks.
After reaching the semi-final stage in each of the last two tournaments, Sunday’s victory over the Blitzboks was proof that Spain had become serious contenders for the men’s sevens series title.
With the game evenly poised, the Blitzboks found themselves two men down after Ronald Brown and Shilton van Wyk were sent to the sin bin. Spain capitalised on the advantage, and went 7-0 up after Eduardo Lopez crossed the try line.
But, with the Blitzboks back to their full complementary of players in the second half, they took the game to their opponents.
They were able to get the breakthrough in the 10th minute when Selwyn Davids found himself with some space to go over for a try that leveled the match.
However, they were only level for a few minutes as Spain kept the ball alive beautifully to allow Jaime Manteca to go through the middle and get the European team back in front.
With time running out, Spain were able to keep hold of the ball to seal the famous victory.
Earlier in the day, the Blitzboks missed out on advancing to the final when they were beaten 17-12 by hosts Australia.
The hosts came to the party over the weekend as they reached the final in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The men will face Argentina in the final later on Sunday, while their women will be going up against New Zealand.
For the Blitzboks, they will be hoping to get back on the winner’s podium at the next tournament in Vancouver, Canada next month.
IOL Sport