Australia fall to South Africa despite second half comeback

Wed, Jul 28, 2021, 1:53 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
The Aussie 7s Men fall to the Kiwis despite a strong first half performance

South Africa have held on for a 22-19 win over Australia in the 5th-8th place playoffs.

Another slow start cost the Aussies as South Africa raced out to a 17-0 half-time lead.

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Whilst the Aussies fought back and dominated the second half, it wasn't enough as South Africa advance to play USA for fifth.

Australia's struggle at restart time came back to haunt them at the start, immediately kicking the ball out on the full.

This allowed the Blitzboks to set the tempo, opening the scoring through Siviwe Soyizwapi.

Another turnover would cost Tim Walsh's men as Ronald Brown capitalised on an awkward kick.

Brown would extend the margin just before the break with his second as South Africa took a 17-0 lead.

No strange to this position, Australia remained composed and fought their way back as Samu Kerevi put Lachie Miller into a gaping hole, running 70 metres for the try.

Miller would bring up his second to reduce the margin to three points.

Both teams would exchange tries as Maurice Longbottom blitzed their line, setting up a grandstand finish.

In the end, it would be shades of New Zealand as another mistake gifted South Africa the ball, allowing them to kick it out for the win.

South Africa will go on to play USA for fifth whilst Australia will face Canada for 7th-8th place in the evening.

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