Cape Town – The Blitzboks, who fell 24-14 to Ireland in the Rugby World Cup Sevens quarterfinal, were their own worst foes.
By defeating the Springbok Sevens team, Ireland pulled off the biggest shock of the competition so far and eliminated the hosts from contention for the Melrose Cup in their own home.
Ireland showed excellent perseverance, and their efforts were ultimately rewarded when Mark Roche crossed over for the game’s first point with a converted try.
When Muller du Plessis crossed the goal line to tie the game just before halftime, South Africa, who had done themselves no favors in the first half, raised the audience to its feet.
The physicality of Ireland was particularly impressive, and the Blitzboks generally seemed out of sorts throughout the game.
What a performance from @IrishRugby!
They’re into the #RWC7s semi-finals for the first time since 1993 with a comprehensive win over hosts South Africa#HereToSevens pic.twitter.com/LPt3Hh0Yqz
— Rugby World Cup 7s 2022 (@WorldRugby7s) September 10, 2022
The hosts’ lineout was a disaster, especially in the second half, and they were made to pay for it when Harry McNulty scored for Ireland following a stolen lineout. And it wasn’t long before the hammer came down harder when Jordan Conroy added his name to the scoresheet.
Ireland wrote the final chapter in the Blitzboks’ books with their fourth try, before Mfundo Ndhlovu added a consolation score for the South Africans. However, the Blitzboks will remember this match for all the wrong reasons and a disappointing farewell for long-serving coach Neil Powell.
Point scorers:
South Africa – Tries: Muller du Plessis, Mfundo Ndhlovu Conversions: Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids.
Ireland – Tries: Mark Roche, Harry McNulty, Jordan Conroy (2), Conversions: Roche, Billy Dardis.