The Blitzboks put on a real show of composure, defence, and of course blistering attack in a cracking game against England, winning the last one of the day 33-12 at the Sydney Sevens on Saturday.
After dispatching the minnows of Papua New Guinea and Spain, England were always going to be the true test of this Blitzbok side.
The South Africans responded with some slick attacking, composed defence and brilliant counter-attacking.
South Africa were caught unawares as the game started however, with England coming out with some big attacking intent.
A well-worked chip saw the defence being caught napping as the on-rushing Ollie Lindsay-Hague snatched the ball under the nose of Cecil Afrika, leaving them 7-0 down.
It didn’t take long for the Blitzboks to wake up though as that man Seabelo Senatla struck back to make it 7-7, responding to an England mistake.
It could have been better with Tim Agaba getting over the line, but he slid his feet out over the dead-ball line before dotting down.
The Blitzboks were lucky for their second try, but their defence certainly aided them in getting it. A ball-and-all tackle saw the English spill the ball right in front of Afrika, who waltzed over under the posts for the lead.
At the break, Justin Geduld was on hand to add a full seven points as England trailed the Blitzboks 21-7 in an electric half that lasted a full nine minutes.
The South Africans looked determined as the second half kicked off, despite their lead. A powerful run by Werner Kok got them within five metres before Geduld doubled up with a dummy to flop over the line.
🎥 interview: @snymanphilip from @Blitzboks reflects on victory over England and going three from three in the pools #Sydney7s pic.twitter.com/TyECjqLSY1
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2018
After a lot of hard work, England struck back with a try from Dan Bibby, chipping through with a little grubber which he picked up himself to make it interesting with three minutes to go.
A classic Senatla burning run however finished the game off as the speedster tore through the England defence with pure pace to make it 33-12 in a statement game.
The Blitzboks now head into Sunday’s final day in a good position to contest the Cup quarter-final, which will take place at 2.50am SA time on Sunday morning against Kenya.
@DarrynJack216