Ronald Brown struck on the stroke of full-time against France to keep the Blitzboks unbeaten on day one of the New York Sevens.
Brown’s late try and conversion sealed a hard-fought 12-5 victory as South Africa backed up their earlier win over New Zealand.
The match started cautiously, with both sides locked in a tense defensive battle.
The breakthrough finally arrived just before half-time when Tristan Leyds dotted down for the Blitzboks. Leyds was unable to add the conversion.
France hit back almost immediately when Celian Pouzelgues crossed the line. His missed conversion meant the sides went into the break deadlocked at 5-5.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams trading blows but struggling to find space against stubborn defence.
Blitzboks coach Philip Snyman then turned to his bench, and the fresh legs proved decisive.
Brown finally cracked the French defensive line in the dying seconds before calmly slotting the conversion to seal the victory.
The Blitzboks will face Australia in their final pool match on Saturday (10:58pm SA time).
Photo: David van der Sandt/Gallo Images
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