Sevens
Blitzbokke record 2nd win
2012-02-11 06:56
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Cape Town - Defending champions South Africa remains on course to qualify for the quarter-finals of the USA Sevens tournament after registering two wins on the opening day of the tournament in Las Vegas.
IRB Sevens Player of the Year, Cecil Afrika, scored a hat-trick to take his day one try tally to five in South Africa's 29-12 victory against reigning Rugby World Cup Sevens champions Wales. Forward Frankie Horne scored a memorable individual try while team captain, Kyle Brown, dotted down his side’s first try after Rhys Shellard gave Wales the lead.
South African playmaker Afrika, also the current SARU Sevens Player of the Year, earlier scored his first two tries of the tournament as he helped the Blitzbokke a 35-0 victory against Uruguay. They scored three other tries through Cornal Hendricks, Frankie Horne and Bernado Botha, scoring his 30th World Series try.
“Happy with day one, but a few things to work on,” commented Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu after his team completed match day one. “Our attacking play was good overall and we took our opportunities, however, I want us to be more accurate on defence.”
Wales managed to edge France 14-12 while Uruguay narrowly missed out on an upset against France, losing 21-19. The South Americans led 19-14 but Terry Bouhraoua's converted try snatched a late victory for France.
The final pool fixtures will start from 22:00 on Saturday and all matches are live on SuperSport. The Blitzbokke and France meet at 23:50 in the Sam Boyd Stadium.