A try-saving tackle by Blitzbok flyer Sebastiaan Jobb was the turning point in Saturday's men's Cup quarter-final victory over hosts Spain at the Valladolid Sevens.
Image: AFP
If ever there was a moment that epitomised the fighting spirit that has come to define the Blitzboks under Philip Snyman, it was provided by Sebastiaan Jobb in the second half of their Cup quarter-final against hosts Spain at the Valladolid Sevens on Saturday evening.
The SVNS World Championship regular-season winners were stunned by the ferocity and intensity of the hosts' start, with Spain racing into a 12-0 lead in the opening seven minutes as South Africa struggled to get their hands on the ball. A repeat of the Hong Kong Sevens appeared on the cards, where Spain inflicted the Blitzboks' heaviest defeat of the season during the opening leg of the World Championship series.
However, this South African side has built a reputation for resilience, and the seeds of their comeback were sown when captain Impi Visser crossed for a converted try to cut the deficit to 12-7. The score owed much to a brilliant line break and deft pass over the top from playmaker Tristan Leyds.
Spain responded strongly and looked set to regain control of the contest when they broke down the right wing. With the try-line beckoning, Ángel Bozal seemed certain to score under the posts. What he had not accounted for, however, was the sheer determination of Jobb.
Known more for his finishing ability than his defence, Jobb produced a remarkable chase and managed to knock the ball from Bozal's grasp just inches short of the line in a dramatic, try-saving intervention.
The moment proved decisive.
Rather than falling two scores behind, the Blitzboks worked their way back upfield, where Jayden Nell crossed for his first try in South African colours. Ricardo Duarttee added his second conversion of the match to give the Blitzboks a 14-12 lead.
From there, South Africa calmly managed the closing stages to secure their place in the final four. It was a fitting response after the day had begun with a narrow defeat to Australia in their final Pool A match.
The Blitzboks will now face Argentina in the second men's Cup semi-final on Sunday, while Australia and Fiji meet in the other last-four clash.
Points-scorers
South Africa 14 (0) - Tries: Impi Visser, Jayden Nell. Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee (2).
Spain 12 (12) - Tries: Josep Serres, Manu Moreno. Conversion: Juan Ramos.