Classy Davids inspires Blitzboks

PARIS - South Africa captain Selvyn Davids was irrepressible in his team's rip-roaring 14-7 victory over New Zealand in the Olympic rugby sevens tournament.

The veteran barged through for the opening try and then conjured up the second.

Chasing down his own fly-hack, he cleverly slid and smothered the ball, turning and popping it up into the hands of Tristan Leyds.

The 30-year-old Davids then produced two try-saving tackles in a tight second period in a consummate display of leading from the front.

"People back home did not think we had a chance but where there is a will, there is a way. And the guys put it together and got the 'W' against New Zealand," said Leyds in reference to the fact the Boks only qualified for the Olympics through a repechage tournament.

Meanwhile, Antoine Dupont helped France to a semi-final showdown against South Africa on Saturday while Fiji survived an Irish scare to set up a last-four match-up against Australia.