David Brits scored the match-winning try against Australia on Friday as South Africa climbed into first place in Pool A of the Perth Sevens tournament.

The Blitzboks drew first blood when Donavan Don scored from a centre-scrum. South Africa had a golden opportunity to double their score soon after but Dewald Human dropped the ball across the tryline, and the error was compounded when Quewin Nortje missed a tackle and James Turner raced away to score a converted try that put Australia into a 7-5 lead at the break.

Patient defence from South Africa paid off handsomely in the second half as the hosts were pinned in their half. When the pressure took a toll, David Brits was on hand to collect a turnover and drag Maurice Longbottom across the line for the winning try.

The 10-7 victory elevated South Africa to first place in the pool on six points, two ahead of USA and Argentina.

The Blitzboks wrap up their Pool A schedule at 7.50am on Saturday morning when they trot out against tournament defending champions Argentina.