The Blitzboks kicked off their Sevens Series title defence with an unimpressive 19-10 win over Uganda at the Dubai Sevens on Friday.
Apart from a few brilliant runs from Cecil Afrika and determined defence by Chris Dry, there were clear signs of rustiness as the reigning champions delivered a stop-start performance.
There had been four previous games between the sides, with Uganda failing to score a point. On Friday, they crossed for two second-half scores.
Within seconds of the kick-off, solid defence by Dry won possession back for the Blitzboks. From a lineout, they spread the ball to playmaker Afrika, who ran an angled line and laid the ball in Ruhan Nel’s hands to score.
Next to dot down was captain Philip Snyman, who bulldozed his way past two tacklers for a try behind the posts. Branco du Preez converted on both occasions for a 14-0 lead at the break.
Uganda were much better in the second half, while the Blitzboks’ defence was uncharacteristically sloppy.
Uganda scored twice, but Tim Agaba’s effort – originating from a probing run by Africa – kept the Blitzboks two scores ahead to win the game.
The Blitzboks’ next fixture will be against Kenya at 12:36 SA time.
Photo: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
