The Blitzbokke shall now meet the U.S. for a place in the semis after Mike Friday’s squad sensationally overcame New Zealand 12-10 to finish as the Group C runners-up at the expense of France.
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New Zealand face Fiji in the Dubai Sevens semifinals, while England will face the United States.
New Zealand had attempted to run down the clock, but gave up a penalty as the final siren sounded.
“It’s a monumental step for us”, he said. “We will learn things from that game, especially in the first half”.
New Zealand had come back from a 5-0 deficit to lead 12-7 at half, but the USA wasn’t ready to lay down and let the rugby power take the win down the stretch.
If all the teams keep playing like they did in the Dubai Sevens for the rest of the year the Aussies will be hard to beat in any of the remaining three tournaments in the HSBC Sevens World Series, or at the Olympics.
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The US had clinched the 2014-2015 season-ending London Sevens title in May, beating South Africa, England and Australia in the process.
Another fan pointed out that the win is massive even if it is just in sevens rugby.
This saw them avoid a killer quarter-final contest in the Cup today against the Fijians but coach Simon Amor insisted England would have their “hands full” against Argentina.
Series champion Fiji was impressive against Canada (63-14) and Argentina (28-0), but blew a 14-0 halftime lead against Japan.
The Blitzboks were only truly tested against Scotland in Pool B, a brace from six-try winger Seabelo Senatla helping the reigning champions to prevail 26-12.
The USA stunned South Africa’s Blitz Boks 21-19 in the fourth quarterfinal to begin their season by taking the scalps of both New Zealand and South Africa. The Japanese stormed 17-14 ahead with moments left, only to see Fiji’s Savenaca Rawaca score the late 21-17 converted victor.
England and Australia reached their pool-deciding final match of the day unbeaten after wins over Wales and Kenya, and England, a four-time victor in Dubai, was always in control in a 21-5 win.
Russian Federation whacked Spain in the first game of the QFs and France beat Fiji in the exciting second match.
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It is an ominous warning to their rivals before rugby sevens’ Olympic debut in Rio next year, as the team establishes itself as a gold-medal contender.
