Blitzboks set up showdown with USA

Staff Writer

After first overcoming a plucky Irish side 33-14 early morning (SA Time), the Blitzboks had a far tougher encounter against the Kenya Sevens side, winning 14-5 in a very physical encounter.

The Blitzboks raced to a 14-0 lead, but were hauled in by Kenya and had a string of penalties against them that made it impossible to extend their lead.

Tries by Selvyn Davids and captain Shakes Soyizwapi made it an early lead for the Blitzboks, but a ripped ball saw Collins Injera go in before halftime.

The Blitzboks then defended well to deny a game Kenyan outfit a try on the halftime whistle and despite having almost no ball in the second half and struggling against Kenya’s physicality, their defence and jackling options were enough to see them home.

They now face the USA squad in the pool decider before the quarterfinals Tuesday as the tournament heads towards the business end of the competition.

Friday’s squad also racked up wins over Kenya and Ireland, but a lot closer than the two Blitzbok outings. USA beat Kenya 19-14 in their opening game before overcoming the Irish 19-17 in a close match.

New Zealand stopped Argentina’s run with a 35-14 win after Los Pumas shocked Australia earlier in the day, while the Wallabies recovered for a 42-5 win over South Korea.

Fiji and Great Britain kept on course for a showdown with both posting second victories.

RESULTS

Day one

Fiji 24 Japan 19, Great Britain 24 Canada 0, New Zealand 50 South Korea 5, Australia 19 Argentina 29, South Africa 33 Ireland 14, USA 19 Kenya 14, Great Britain 34 Japan 0, Fiji 28 Canada 14, New Zealand 35 Argentina 14, Australia 42 South Korea 5, USA 19 Ireland 17, South Africa 14 Kenya 5.