South Africa’s Seabelo Senatia (R) makes a break chased by Papua New Guinea’s Gairo Kapana (L) during the World Rugby Sevens Series match between Papua New Guinea and South Africa at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on February 3, 2018
South Africa’s Seabelo Senatia (R) makes a break chased by Papua New Guinea’s Gairo Kapana (L) during the World Rugby Sevens Series match between Papua New Guinea and South Africa at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on February 3, 2018
Our Blitzboks have been in fine form at the Hamilton Sevens this morning, after winning all three of their games on day one in New Zealand.
It was business as usual for the South African team, who brushed aside Papua New Guinea 36-5, and saw off Russia with a crushing 38-0 victory.
Blitzboks results from Hamilton Sevens, day one
In their first match against PNG, tries from Dylan Sage, Rosco Speckman (2), Seabelo Senatla (2), and substitute Zain David gave the Blitzboks a very comfortable victory. Although they will still be a little peeved they didn’t keep a clean sheet.
They soon put that right against Russia, scoring 38 points with no reply. The usual suspects, Speckman and Senatla, turned up with a pair of tries each. Kyle Brown also added to the scoresheet, and Sikhumbuzo Notshe claimed his first try for the national team.
They celebrated like there’s no tomorrow.@notshe8 on his first Blitzbok try scored in South Africa’s 38-0 win over Russia … and how his team mates shared his joy. #brotherhood @ASICS_ZA pic.twitter.com/xc14avXEtc
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) February 3, 2018
Blitzboks turn England over
Their biggest test of the day came against England, and they most certainly rose to the occasion. Seabelo Senatla got his third brace of the day, crossing the white line twice in the first half. Tim Agaba squeezed in on the action too, taking the SA side into a 21-0 half-time lead.
Blitzboks showed zero mercy in the second half, and rampaged forward once more for their fourth try of the game. One has to ask how Justin Geduld can lace his boots with magic, however. After a sublime kicking display throughout round one, his beautiful chip forward found Rosco Speckman, who touched down under the posts.
It finished 28-7 as England grabbed a late consolation. South Africa go marching on to the next round with their heads held high, and with fans in a buoyant mood.
More to follow
Also read: Day one results from Sydney Sevens
