CAPE TOWN – The Blitzboks’ somewhat indifferent form throughout Friday’s first day at the World Sevens Series tournament in Dubai came back to haunt them when they were defeated by Argentina 17-12 in their final pool match.
Twice during the match, the Blitzboks were yellow-carded for high tackles, and that put paid to their chances of building on their early 12-0 lead.
Ryan Oosthuizen and Werner Kok scored the opening tries, one of which was converted, and that ultimately proved to be the only points in the match for the Blitzboks.
Argentina managed a try before halftime and then added another two plus a conversion in the second half for a match-winning 17-point burst.
Despite the defeat, the Blitzboks will still advance to the knockout stages.
Earlier n the day, the South Africans defeated Zimbabwe 31-0 and Samoa 19-12.