South Africa produced a Hollywood-esque comeback in Los Angeles as they stunned Fiji 29-24 to take gold at the USA sevens. The Blitzboks were trailing 24-12 with less than 50 seconds to go on the clock, but managed a comeback that will surely rank as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, in sevens history.
Major moments from South Africa vs Fiji LA Sevens Final 2020
Chris Dry wins a Fiji lineout at 24-12: Having won a penalty, Fiji kicked for the corner and had an attacking line out in the South African half. The score was 24-12 in favour of Fiji, with 50 odd seconds remaining on the clock. However Dry managed to poach the lineout, and that set the stage for South Africa’s revival. Dry also scored the try that took the Blitzbokke to 24-17.
The Branco du Preez conversion to ensure ET: South Africa had foregone a chance to convert Dry’s try in the hope that they would get a few more seconds to score the fourth try they need to force extra time. From the restart the Boks managed to get the ball back, and finally made their way over the line. The conversion was a tough one from a difficult angle, but Branco du Preez managed it to level the scores and force extra time. The Blitzboks’ goal kicking was considered one of their weaknesses in the past, but this was a stunning effort under pressure.
The Waisele Nacuqu yellow card: At 24-17, Fiji’s Nacuqu was sent to the bin for a high shot on JC Pretorius. It gave South Africa an extra man advantage which they fully made use of- first to level the scores and then to win it in extra time.
(img via Springboks/Twitter)
