The Blitzboks thrashed Australia 29-7 to set up a Cup quarter-final clash against Wales on Sunday, reports JON CARDINELLI at Cape Town Stadium.

South Africa remain on course for their fourth straight tournament victory on home soil. Following a 41-0 win against Russia and a 28-10 against USA, the Blitzboks put five tries past Australia to clinch top spot in Pool A on Day 1 of the Cape Town Sevens.

The Blitzboks played an aggressive and intelligent brand of rugby over the course of the day. In the final pool fixture against Australia, their superior physicality at the breakdown allowed them to secure clean ball on attack and force several key turnovers on defence.

Captain Phillip Snyman (pictured above) scored the hosts’ first try in the fourth minute. Werner Kok, the Blitzboks’ standout player on Day 1 of the tournament, went off on a searing run a moment later. The Blitzboks maintained their composure, and Kyle Brown crossed for their second score.

South Africa’s exceptional attitude and execution, however, was showcased in the period after the half-time hooter. Seabelo Senatla foraged for the ball at the breakdown as if he was a specialist openside flanker. His team-mates launched the counter-attack, and when Cecil Afrika scored to extend the lead to 17-0, the Cape Town Stadium erupted.

Snyman scored his second try immediately after the break to clinch the result for his side. Australia managed to get onto the scoreboard after 10 minutes, but this was cancelled out by a brilliant finish by Ruhan Nel only moments later.

The Blitzboks will face Wales, who finished second in Pool D, at 12:04 in the Cup quarter-final on Day 2.

All the Cape Town Sevens fixtures and results

Photo: Gallo Images