The Blitzboks scored two late tries, including one from Siviwe Soyizwapi with the final play, to beat Kenya in their Hong Kong Sevens quarter-final.
South Africa will face New Zealand in their semi-final on Sunday (8am SA time) as they look to win the Hong Kong tournament for the first time.
However, it took late tries from Quewin Nortje and Soyizwapi to subdue a spirted Kenyan outfit and snatch a 26-22 win.
Shakes Soyizwapi finishes the job
The Blitzboks break Kenyan hearts to book a ticket to the #HSBCSVNSHKG semi-final
#HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/Q4cmJCJMl1
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) April 18, 2026
The Blitzboks struck first after a Kenyan error handed them a scrum inside the 22 from which Selvyn Davids scored.
Kenya responded through John Ohoth Okeyo and when Denis Abukuse broke through the defence, they led 12-7.
The Blitzboks hit back just before the break. With Vincent Onyala in the sin bin for a high challenge, Donovan Don finished a sharp move out wide, and Tristan Leyds converted.
Kenya regained control after the restart. From a scrum in the Blitzboks’ 22, captain Samuel Asati sent Kevin Wekesa over.
The underdogs continued to apply the pressure, and with Davids shown a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown, Kenya took advantage. Asati again created the opening, this time for Festus Safari to extend the lead to 22-14.
The Blitzboks responded with urgency as replacement Nortje chased down his kick to score, with the conversion reducing the deficit to one point.
South Africa then regained possession and earned a penalty as Davids returned to the field.
With time almost up, they launched one final attack from a scrum and after being awarded a string of breakdown penalties, Soyizwapi dotted down to complete the comeback.
The Hong Kong event forms the opening leg of the SVNS World Championship. It will be followed by tournaments in Valladolid and Bordeaux to crown the world champions.
Photo: David van der Sandt/Gallo Images
The post Blitzboks hold nerve to snatch victory appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
