The Blitzboks finished top of Pool A on day one of their Commonwealth Games campaign as they comfortably defeated Scotland 26-5. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

Coming into this decisive clash, the Springbok Sevens had hardly been tested as they claimed comprehensive wins over Malaysia and Papua New Guinea, but they ultimately rose to the occasion to claim a third successive win of the day.

It’s a result that sees the Blitzboks progress to a semi-final against Fiji on Sunday, when they will be looking to continue towards retaining the gold medal they won back in 2014. England will face New Zealand in the other semi-final.

REPORT: Rampant Blitzboks lay down marker

South Africa had lacked their usual accuracy and discipline early on against Scotland, but they would importantly score two minutes before the break when Rosko Specman went over unopposed.

The Blitzboks did have a couple of opportunities before the break, but their efforts were thwarted by a knock-on and poor cross-kick, which rather aptly summed up an indifferent performance in the opening period.

Scotland did have a man sent to the sin bin just before the break, though, and just as he was about to return, the Springbok Sevens crucially made their numerical advantage count as Ruhan Nel powered over to score.

The Blitzboks quickly extended their lead to 19 points as they manufactured an attack from the kick-off, with Cecil Afrika showing a clean pair of heels to dot down in the corner.

Just for good measure, the Blitzboks produced a neat piece of play for Justin Geduld to collect a chip over the top, before scoring his side’s fourth try.

There would be a consolation try for Scotland’s Jamie’s Farndale, but the Blitzboks comfortably celebrated a satisfactory finish to day one.

Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images