The Blitzboks beat Kenya 31-19 on Saturday to set up a meeting with France in the Cup semi-finals of the second Dubai Sevens tournament.

As is always the case when these African sides meet, physicality was at the forefront. But the game was won by South Africa’s ruthless efficiency on turnover possession and their superior defence.

The Blitzboks opened the scoring through Zain Davids, after JC Pretorius ripped the ball in the tackle, then swinging it left before bringing it back right where a huge overlap was created.

Captain Siviwe Soyizwapi’s finishing was a highlight. The wing scored a well-executed try when he stretched out to dot down despite being tackled well before the tryline and having to avoid the touchline.

But, because both conversions were well off target, it was game on when Kenya crossed for a converted try to make it a three-point game.

With time up on the clock in the first half, Ronald Brown danced his way through the heart of the Kenya defence for a try that gave South Africa a little breathing space on the scoreboard going into the break.

It was all Blitzboks at the start of the second half as Christie Grobbelaar and Shaun Williams went over for two quick-fire tries, but it would be Kenya who finished with a flourish.

Although the result was already decided, Kenya scored two late consolation tries to add some respectability to the scoreboard.