CAPE TOWN, December 9 (ANA) – The Blitzbokke completed a perfect opening day in their HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series campaign at the Cape Town Sevens on Saturday with a 29-7 victory over Australia after leading 17-0 at half-time.
South Africa finished top of their group and will play Wales in the quarterfinal on Sunday.
The Blitzbokke opened the scoring with a try through Philip Snyman after a well-worked move. Branco du Preez could not add the extra two, but the hosts led 5-0 in the early stages of the encounter.
Kyle Brown added a second try after the Blitzbokke were awarded a penalty in the Aussie 22, as the ball quickly shifted from the touchline saw a gap open in the defence. Du Preez slotted the conversion from in front to see South Africa out to a 12-0 lead.
Cecil Afrika scored an opportunist try after the half-time hooter, as he sprinted away from the Aussie last line. Du Preez was unable to make the conversion, but the Blitzbokke held a significant 17-0 lead at the break.
It was a dream start to the second half for the Blitzbokke as the ball was turned over from the kickoff, and Snyman surged towards the corner flag for the score. Du Preez nailed a top conversion from the touchline to make it a commanding 24-0.
Australia finally made it onto the board as Sam Myers barged over from close range under the poles to help Australia claw it back to 24-7.
In response, Ruhan Nel showed a fantastic turn of pace to sprint away from the Aussie defence on the touchline and dive over the line to make it 29-7 to the hosts.
Earlier in the day, the Blitzbokke ran out 41-0 winners against Russia in their opening match of the day before notching up a 28-10 triumph over the USA in their second game. – African News Agency (ANA)
