Sevens set for Oz clash

THE Springbok Sevens will face Australia in the quarterfinals of the Wellington Sevens today after they finished second in Pool A after their narrow 19-14 defeat to tournament hosts, New Zealand.

The Kiwis edged South Africa by the odd try after Sonny Bill Williams drew a couple of Blitzbok defenders before offloading to Joe Webber for the winning try.

New Zealand trailed 5-7 at half time after a converted try from Kwagga Smith and an unconverted touchdown by Sam Dickson.

Akira Ioane gave the hosts the lead after half time with another unconverted try, which was followed by a Cheslin Kolbe seven pointer.

That try allowed the Springbok Sevens to regain the lead at 14-12, but they were edged right at the end when Webber went over for the winning score.

Earlier in the day, Justin Geduld, Seabelo Senatla, Juan de Jongh and Rosko Specman all scored tries as the Springbok Sevens defeated Scotland 28-5 in their tournament opener.

That was followed by a 54-0 demolition of Russia.

The try scorers were Senatla (two), Smith, Specman (two), De Jongh, Dylan Sage and Chris Dry.

Sage, playing in only his second tournament, scored his debut World Series try.

He arrived only a day before the start of the tournament as replacement for the injured Ryno Benjamin.

Coach Neil Powell said although he was disappointed with the New Zealand result, he was pleased with the performances.