The Springbok Sevens team scored a try after the buzzer to down Australia 26-19 and clinch the Olympic bronze medal in Paris on Saturday evening.
The medal is South Africa’s first of the 2024 Olympic Games.
The Aussies took a 7-5 lead at the break, with Selvyn Davids’ try cancelled out by a converted try by Nathan Lawson from a restart error, but the Springbok Sevens took control of the match in the second half.
Two quick tries by Zain Davids, both converted by Tristan Leyds, coupled with a red card to Nick Malouf for a dangerous tackle on Tiaan Pretorius, put the Blitzboks in control at 19-7.
However, the Aussies were not done yet and scored two late tries, one of which was converted, to pull level on the scoreboard.
From the last restart, with a second left on the clock, the Blitzboks created space on the left with Selvyn Davids racing away before giving the ball to Shaun Williams to score the match – and medal-winning try.
Earlier on Saturday, South Africa succumbed to good second-half pressure by France in their semi-final to lose by 19-5 and miss out on a chance to play in the gold medal match.
France introduced local hero Antoine Dupont on the field in the second half and his arrival saw them score three tries in quick succession, taking full advantage of some crucial errors from the Blitzboks to secure victory.
What a moment for the Blitzboks 🇿🇦
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) July 27, 2024
Look at what it meant to them 🥺
Shout to Selvyn Davids for letting Shaun Williams apply the winning touch 👏#Paris2024 | #CloserToYourChampions pic.twitter.com/35ZhcQ2oEL
