Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 results: Ireland stun South Africa to reach semi-finals; New Zealand, Australia and Fiji all through
- Hosts suffer shock 24-14 loss in a dramatic finale to Saturday’s action at Cape Town Stadium
- Irish will face defending champions New Zealand, with Australia to battle Fiji after both come from behind to win
Ireland stunned hosts South Africa 24-14 to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in a dramatic finale to Saturday’ action at Cape Town Stadium.
Mark Roche’s try and conversion gave the Irish an early 7-0 lead, but the Blitzboks levelled it up just before the break when Muller du Plessis went over, and Ronald Brown added the extras.
But South Africa were stunned as Ireland scored three quick fire tries through Harry McNulty’s effort and two from Jordan Conroy to race into an unassailable 24-7 lead.
Mfundo Ndhlovu grabbed a consolation, with Selvyn Davids’ conversion cutting the deficit, but it was still a bitter loss for the hosts.
South Africa will now face Argentina on Sunday in a fifth-place semi-final. The other semi will be contested by France and Samoa.
Ireland’s prize is a Championship semi-final against defending champions New Zealand, who came from behind to beat Argentina 12-5.
