Blitzboks overpower New Zealand in New York Sevens opener
South Africa scored two tries in each half, producing a disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing to secure the win.
Two tries from Sebastiaan Jobb helped the Springbok Sevens team open their campaign at the New York Sevens with an impressive 22-7 victory over New Zealand in their Pool A clash on Saturday.
South Africa scored two tries in each half, producing a disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing to secure the win.
Early lead
According to SA Rugby magazine, a powerful scrum laid the foundation for the opening score as Selvyn Davids rounded the defence to finish in the corner and give the Blitzboks an early lead.
New Zealand responded with a sustained period of possession, but the Blitzboks’ defence held firm.
Ryan Oosthuizen then forced a crucial turnover penalty to shift momentum back in South Africa’s favour.
With the clock winding down in the first half, the Blitzboks struck again.
Running from deep, a switch pass found Jobb out wide and the winger powered through two defenders to score under the posts, sending South Africa into the break with a 12-0 advantage.
Strong carries
The Blitzboks remained in control after the restart, with captain Impi Visser leading several strong carries.
A midfield knock-on briefly handed New Zealand an attacking opportunity, but South Africa’s pack produced another dominant scrum to regain possession.
Discipline soon became a problem for New Zealand.
Rob Rush was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knockdown, and a second deliberate knock-on from Akuila Rokolisoa reduced the side to five players.
The Blitzboks took full advantage.
Jobb broke through the defence to claim his second try of the match, extending South Africa’s lead to 17-0.
Consolation try
South Africa continued to attack from the restart and Grant de Jager finished in the corner after the ball was worked wide to make it 22-0.
A third yellow card was later shown to Riley Williams with the contest already decided.
New Zealand managed a late consolation try when Brady Rush crossed the line after a multi-phase attack.
The Blitzboks will now face France at 20:02 (SA time) before taking on Australia at 22:58 (SA time) in their remaining Pool A matches.
Australia whitewashed France 24-0 in their opening Pool A match.
The Springbok Sevens side have won three of the five SVNS tournaments this season – in Cape Town, Perth and Vancouver.
They lie second in the overall standings behind Fiji on points differential.
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