The Blitzboks bounced back after an early setback to beat Samoa 22-12 in their opening game of the Cape Town Sevens, reports JON CARDINELLI at Cape Town Stadium.

The Blitzboks came into this tournament with a point to prove. Neil Powell’s charges were outmuscled and outwitted in the Dubai competition last week. As a result, a greater emphasis was placed on defence in the buildup to the Cape Town Sevens.

The hosts started poorly in this department. Samoa hammered the Blitzboks at the breakdowns and the pressure eventually told. After two minutes, South Africa were 7-0 down.

An improved performance at the rucks and collisions allowed the hosts to hit back. A breakdown penalty was quickly taken, and Rosko Specman found Kyle Brown out on the left wing.

Samoa were reduced to six men after conceding a yellow card. Philip Snyman scored right before the break to put his side in charge at 10-7.

Justin Geduld extended the hosts’ advantage after-half-time. The partisan crowd started to get behind the local side. The Blitzboks were starting to hit their stride.

Impi Visser smashed his way through the Samoa defence to score with two minutes remaining on the clock. Samoa snatched a consolation try after the hooter to add some respectability to the scoreline.

BLITZBOKS FIXTURES (Day 1)
15;48: SA vs Zimbabwe
19:56: SA vs New Zealand

Cape Town Sevens results and fixtures

Photo:  Blitzboks/Twitter