Dubai sevens snyman blitzboks

Philip Snyman of South Africa runs with the ball during the match between on day two of the Dubai Rugby Sevens. PHOTO: Francois Nel/Getty Images

Dubai Sevens: Blitzboks knocked out by England in quaterfinal

The Blitzboks had a blip at the Dubai Sevens.

Dubai sevens snyman blitzboks

Philip Snyman of South Africa runs with the ball during the match between on day two of the Dubai Rugby Sevens. PHOTO: Francois Nel/Getty Images

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The  Blitzboks’ World Series Sevens defence got off to a shaky start when they were beaten by England in the Cup Quaterfinals at the Dubai Sevens on Saturday.

It took South Africa until late in the second half to get their first score on the board, but it was too little too late and the Blitzboks’ title defence got off to a  bad start, losing 5-22.

England ran three tries past South Africa in the first half with captain Tim Mitchell scoring twice and Tom Bowen also adding one.

South Africa looked miles off their usual composed self in the first half, particularly in defence. England, though, deserve credit for running clever lines and playing smart on the short side.

With score 0-17 at the break, South Africa had a mountain to climb in the second. 

Having gathered some composure, but failing to capitalise, another moment of magic from England shifted the momentum. Phil Burgess intercepted and stormed over to tilt the scales even further.

South Africa looked solid on the opening day, but slipped up against Argentina in their final fixture on Friday. 

The Blitzboks have a history of slipping up against England in crunch clashes.

The Blitzboks did edge England in the Paris Cup final in June this year, but lost to them in the World Cup and, most agonisingly, during the Rio Olympics.