Blitzboks slay Kenya at Sydney Sevens

Shilton van Wyk scored twice as the Blitzboks defeated Kenya 31-5 in their opening game on day one of the Sydney Sevens on Friday.

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The South Africans were very clinical on attack, but it was their defensive effort that impressed most, as they kept Kenya at bay with solid tackles and then attacked from turnover possession.

Kenya had possession in the opening minute, but were bundled into touch. The Blitzboks won the lineout and with a deft inside pass by Ryan Oosthuizen, Shaun Williams was allowed some space. The scrumhalf ran hard and transferred to Shilton van Wyk, who ran in from 50 meters out to score under the poles. Ricardo Duarttee converted for a 7-0 lead.

Williams started at scrumhalf, with Duarttee at flyhalf and the latter’s playmaking ability handed Van Wyk, at centre, a quick brace as a lovely delayed pass opened the Kenyan defence up.

Duarttee converted for a 14-0 lead. Williams scored the third try for the Blitzboks with a lovely stop and go catching the Kenyan defence flat-footed.

The 21-0 scoreline in favour of the Blitzboks was a fair reflection of the match at that stage.

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The second half saw some changes from Blitzboks coach Sandile Ngcobo and one of those replacements, James Murphy, was first on the second half scoreboard, again after strong tackling by the men in green and gold forced Kenya to make mistakes under pressure.

Credit must go to the Kenyans though, who kept attacking when in possession and they were finally rewarded two minutes from time when Kevin Wekesa found some space on the outside. Kenya managed to keep recycling the ball and worked their way up the field until their winger was in space.

The Blitzboks were not finished though and Siviwe Soyizwapi scored his 140th World Rugby Sevens Series try after a slick backline move and a 31-5 final scoreline.

Blitzboks vs Kenya scorers at Sydney Sevens:

South Africa 31 (21) – Tries: Shilton van Wyk (2), Shaun Williams, James Murphy, Siviwe Soyizwapi. Conversions: Ricardo Duarttee (3).

Kenya 5 (0) – Try: Kevin Wekesa.