The Blitzboks’ bid for a sixth straight Dubai Sevens crown took a major hit as they went down 22-17 to Kenya in an African derby on Saturday.
In order to reach the knock-outs from a congested Pool A, South African will have to beat Olympic gold medalists France.
After opening their tournament with a win against Australia, Philip Snyman’s men were looking to make it two out of two when they took on the Kenyans, who were on the back of a 24-19 loss to the French in their first fame.
Kenya stun the @Blitzboks in Dubai 🇰🇪💥
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) November 30, 2024
The TMO awards this try as a golden point decides the African derby 👇
📺 Stream #HSBCSVNS on DStv: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/wjz8xz1SNC
The East Africans were on the board quickly, and raced to a 17-0 lead after seven minutes of action.
A Tristan Leyds brace and a try by Donovan Don saw South Africa back in the game at 17-all, but Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa cross the line late on to steal it for the Kenyans.
Earlier on Saturday, Leyds scored another two tries while Quewin Norje added one as Snyman’s charges began their campaign in Dubai with a comprehensive win over the Australians.
The Blitzboks have won five of the last six Dubai tournaments, starting in 2019. The 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The game against France will kick off at 18:44 on Saturday. The French currently sit on top of Pool A following wins over Kenya and Australia, and will see them as favourites of going all the way and sealing the tournament win.
Australia are bottom with two losses, and will play Kenya later in the day.
IOL Sport