Blitzboks Secure Perth Sevens Final Spot as Hosts Australia Exit

PERTH (Azat TV) – The South African Blitzboks delivered a stunning performance to defeat hosts Australia 28-12 in a pulsating semi-final at the Perth Sevens on Sunday, effectively ending Australia’s aspirations on home turf and securing their own place in the tournament’s final. The match, which left the home crowd at HBF Park visibly stunned, highlighted the Blitzboks’ clinical finishing and devastating counter-attacking prowess in this highly anticipated return of the World Rugby Sevens Series to Perth.

Blitzboks Dominate Semi-Final Clash

South Africa wasted no time asserting their dominance, capitalizing on Australian errors from the outset. After an early Australian attack faltered, Shilton van Wyk opened the scoring in the third minute with a spectacular solo try, breaking through the defense to give the Blitzboks a 7-0 lead. Australia responded swiftly through Henry Hutchison, narrowing the deficit to 7-5 and briefly igniting the local support.

However, the turning point arrived with a brutal 14-point swing that effectively decided the contest. A crucial knock-on by Australia near the South African try line allowed Sebastiaan Jobb to seize possession and race the length of the field for a devastating counter-attack try. This extended South Africa’s lead to 14-5 at halftime, a psychological blow that proved difficult for the hosts to overcome.

Australian Hopes Dashed on Home Soil

Despite showing renewed fighting spirit in the second half, with Ben Dowling scoring to bring Australia within two points at 14-12, their comeback hopes were short-lived. Aden Ekanayake’s sin-binning for a reckless challenge further hampered the Australian side, leaving them a man down at a critical juncture. The Blitzboks, exploiting the numerical advantage, saw Jobb score his second try, pushing the score to 21-12.

Ricardo Duarttee sealed the victory in the 12th minute, extending South Africa’s lead to 28-12 and confirming their dominant performance. According to NovaNews, Australia created opportunities but failed to convert them, with critical errors proving their undoing. The statistics underscored South Africa’s formidable combination of pace, power, precision, and predatory instincts.

Women’s Competition Heats Up in Perth

While the men’s tournament saw Australia’s exit, the women’s competition has been equally fierce. On Day One, trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand showcased dominant form, both topping their respective pools. The Black Ferns Sevens, particularly Kelsey Teneti, were unstoppable, securing three wins and 17 tries, including a commanding 31-0 victory over fellow semi-finalists USA, as reported by SVNS.com.

Australia’s women’s team also impressed on home turf, with a Heidi Dennis hat-trick highlighting their 54-5 opening win against Great Britain. They continued their strong run, including a 38-10 victory over Canada. The women’s semi-finals are set to feature the Black Ferns Sevens against France, and Australia taking on USA, promising intense matchups as the tournament progresses.

Perth Sevens Return Draws Significant Attention

The Perth Sevens marks a significant return for the World Rugby Sevens Series to the Western Australian capital, the first time since 2019. The event has drawn considerable attention from rugby fans and media across Australia, eager to witness top-tier rugby sevens action. The high temperatures, reaching 35C and beyond at HBF Park, added an extra layer of challenge for the competing teams.

The return of the Perth Sevens has underscored the enduring appeal of rugby sevens, providing a vibrant platform for top international teams to compete. Despite the home team’s men’s side exiting the competition, the high-stakes matches and the strong performances across both men’s and women’s tournaments have solidified Perth’s position as a key host city on the global circuit.