The Blitzboks beat Scotland 33-7 and Russia 40-0 to take an early lead at the top of Pool B on day one of the Sydney Sevens.
While South Africa were physically dominant and strong in defence in their two opening games, they weren’t really tested as their wasteful opponents offered little resistance.
In the first encounter against Scotland, the Blitzboks were penalised inside the opening 20 seconds, but the defensive line held up well to deny the Scots before Chris Dry and Seabelo Senatla combined to work a turnover. Attacking from there Senatla scored, followed by converted tries by Rosco Speckman and Cheslin Kolbe to lead 19-0 at the break.
Scotland restarted better, while South Africa lost their captain Philip Snyman to injury soon after. Gavin Lowe narrowed the deficit with a self-converted try, but the Blitzboks were too robust to allow any sort of comeback. Senatla grabbed his second try after Francois Hougaard poached a breakdown ball, before Sandile Ngcobo sliced throught the heart of Scotland's defence for the last try.
In their second clash, Neil Powell’s men blew Russia away. Carel du Preez, Kolbe and Dylan Sage crossed for early tries to put South Africa 19-0 up, before Senatla worked his magic either side of the break to score a hat-trick. The speedster dotted down on the stroke of half-time, then ran in a second-half brace to complete his hat-trick and the Blitzboks’ rout.
South Africa's final pool match is against Kenya at 10:05 SA time.
Photo: Renee McKay/Getty Images
