Playmaker Tristan Leyds played an instrumental role as the Blitzboks snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Friday's Valladolid Sevens opener against Great Britain.
The Blitzboks needed a try from playmaker Tristan Leyds deep into extra time to break the deadlock and secure a tense 17-12 victory over Great Britain in their opening pool match of the Valladolid Sevens in Spain on Friday afternoon.
The series-leading Springbok Sevens were determined to avoid the slow start that almost proved costly in the opening leg of the World Championship in Hong Kong. However, they were once again hampered by uncharacteristically sloppy play, which Great Britain punished to take an early 5-0 lead at the Estadio José Zorrilla.
South Africa hit back almost immediately through leading points and try-scorer Shilton van Wyk. The speedster ran the length of the field to score under the posts after collecting a superb pass from Leyds inside the South African 22, with the successful conversion locking the scores.
The teams went into the break level at 7-7, with a well-organised South African defence proving to be their saving grace in an otherwise error-strewn first half.
