Windhoek - South Africa showed why they are currently on top of the sevens world with an impressive display of power on day one of the Trustco/Namibia sevens tournament on Saturday, while the three other big guns at the tournament - Fiji, Samoa and Argentina - had their anxious moments that included a close win, a draw and a loss.
National coach Paul Treu was happy with the display which showed the strength of his squad and their ability to adapt to a game plan that seems likely keep them at the top of the international rankings.
The Springboks were too powerful for Namibia and Tunisia with the likes of Cecil Afrika and Reg Muller showing that their inclusion in the squad is conducive to Treu's march towards another IRB title.
The inaugural tournament in Windhoek is proving to be an ideal opportunity for the international teams to start their preparations before the season opener in Dubai.
There were a few upsets on the day, which has become an integral part of sevens rugby, and all bodes well for rugby's possible inclusion in the Olympics, a decision which will be taken in less than a month.
Only a single try was scored against the Boks who had wins of 26-5 over Namibia and 46-0 against Tunisia.
Fiji were given a fright by Spain, winning only 14-10 in Pool B. The shock of the tournament was the defeat of Samoa at the hands of Portugal (19-14).
Argentina, also one of the world's leading teams, had to work hard for a draw against Zimbabwe (19-all).
Results: Group A: Namibia 22 Tunisia 19; South Africa 26 Namibia 5; South Africa 46 Tunisia 0.
Group B: Fiji 43 Zambia 7; Spain 25 Zambia 12; Fiji 14 Spain 10. Group C: Zimbabwe 33 Uganda 5; Argentina 34 Uganda 0; Zimbabwe 19 Argentina 19.
Group D: Portugal 22 Botswana 5; Samoa 31 Botswana 7; Portugal 19 Samoa 14
National coach Paul Treu was happy with the display which showed the strength of his squad and their ability to adapt to a game plan that seems likely keep them at the top of the international rankings.
The Springboks were too powerful for Namibia and Tunisia with the likes of Cecil Afrika and Reg Muller showing that their inclusion in the squad is conducive to Treu's march towards another IRB title.
The inaugural tournament in Windhoek is proving to be an ideal opportunity for the international teams to start their preparations before the season opener in Dubai.
There were a few upsets on the day, which has become an integral part of sevens rugby, and all bodes well for rugby's possible inclusion in the Olympics, a decision which will be taken in less than a month.
Only a single try was scored against the Boks who had wins of 26-5 over Namibia and 46-0 against Tunisia.
Fiji were given a fright by Spain, winning only 14-10 in Pool B. The shock of the tournament was the defeat of Samoa at the hands of Portugal (19-14).
Argentina, also one of the world's leading teams, had to work hard for a draw against Zimbabwe (19-all).
Results: Group A: Namibia 22 Tunisia 19; South Africa 26 Namibia 5; South Africa 46 Tunisia 0.
Group B: Fiji 43 Zambia 7; Spain 25 Zambia 12; Fiji 14 Spain 10. Group C: Zimbabwe 33 Uganda 5; Argentina 34 Uganda 0; Zimbabwe 19 Argentina 19.
Group D: Portugal 22 Botswana 5; Samoa 31 Botswana 7; Portugal 19 Samoa 14