It was an “awesome foursome” from Seabelo Senatla as the Springbok Sevens outclassed England 24-5 on the opening day of the Paris Sevens on Friday night.
Senatla was the lone try-scorer for the Blitzboks, but he dotted down four times at the Stade Jean Bouin as the South Africans gained revenge for their Hong Kong defeat against England.
The 23-year-old from Welkom increased his try-scoring tally in the 2015/16 World Sevens Series to 58, which extended his lead at the top of the leading scorers’ list to 19 ahead of American Perry Baker.
England made a fast start as Tom Bowen made his way to inside the SA 22, and from the ensuring ruck – with Tim Agaba on the ground – Charlie Hayter skipped past Agaba and dotted down in the corner.
But it was that man Senatla who broke the game open for the Blitzboks. England’s passing was off the mark for most of the game as the rush defence employed by the Blitzboks put them under the pressure, and one such episode saw Alex King pass the ball along the ground inside his 22, and Senatla pounced to pick it up and score.
The South Africans started to get their hands on the ball midway through the first half, and they put together an impressive passage of play that saw them stretch the English defence from side to side.
Eventually Rosko Specman delivered the final offload to Senatla, which looked a bit forward, but the referee awarded the try.
England managed to retain possession more consistently after halftime, and got to within 10 metres of the Blitzbok line. But the swarming defence from Neil Powell’s outfit was too much too handle and they forced a knock-on.
The power of Tim Agaba and Philip Snyman caused the English defence serious problems throughout, and with the help of Cecil Afrika, Snyman put Senatla away for his hat trick.
The Stormers and Western Province speedster wasn’t done yet, though, as terrific strength from Francois Hougaard created just enough space for Senatla on the outside, and he didn’t need too much motivation as he sped away from the cover defence for number four.
The South Africans will be pleased to have put one over their arch-rivals as they chase Fiji, who lead by eight points, for the World Series title. They complete their Pool C fixtures against Brazil (12.45pm) and Australia (4.15pm).
There were also comfortable wins on Friday night for Fiji, who beat Scotland 38-12, as well as third-placed New Zealand, who triumphed 35-10 over Russia.
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POINTS-SCORERS
South Africa – Tries: Seabelo Senatla (4). Conversions: Cecil Afrika (2).
England – Tries: Charlie Hayter (1).
Day 1 Latest Results
Kenya 29 Portugal 14, New Zealand 35 Russia 10, Fiji 38 Scotland 12, Samoa 52 Wales 10, Argentina 36 USA 0, France 42 Canada 5, South Africa 24 England 5.