Composed BlitzBoks avoid Aussie niggle
The BlitzBoks, current Series leaders after winning in Dubai last week, advanced to the Cup quarterfinals at the Cape Town leg on Saturday – the hosts and defending champions topping Pool A with wins over Russia (41-0), the United States (28-10) and Australia (29-7).
They will face Wales in the quarterfinal on Sunday.
It is the nature of their win over a spiteful Australian side in the last match of Day One that epitomised one of the biggest improvements in their game.
Despite a number of off-the-ball incidents – which twice forced the referee to speak to the Aussies about their tactics – the BlitzBoks retained their discipline and composure to ease past their opponents.
"It was a physical game, but we retained our composure and stuck to our structures," veteran Sevens star Chris Dry said.
"As a side we have matured very well," he said, adding: "We have cut down on the silly mistakes and improved our discipline.
"It is important not to give away silly cards or silly penalties – it is important to have all seven [players] on the field."
He admitted they could have lost focus and got sucked into the niggle, which have cost them dearly in years gone by.
"We said at half-time we mustn't get involved in any argy-bargy, we must stick to what we want to do."
He said credit must go to the coaching staff for the improved discipline.
"They forced discipline – be that filling up water bottles or being on time. That is where it starts.
"We know it cost us at crucial times [last year], so it is important that we focus on not giving away penalties."
Coach Neil Powell said credit must go to the players that they did not get involved in any of the off-the-ball stuff.
"They kept their focus on the things that are important," he said of the win over the Aussies.
Australian coach Andy Friend expressed his "disappointment" with a poor day at the office.
After going down 0-19 to the United States, they had to beat the BlitzBoks to qualify for the Cup section on day two.
Their eagerness spilled over into spitefulness and their lack of discipline cost them dearly.
"It's been a disappointing day," Friend said, adding: "We were our own worst enemy and we started really poorly.
"We had multiple chances against the United States, with six visits into the 22 with no result. Full credit to the USA, they took their chances and deserve their victory.
"I thought we were a lot better against Russia and came out in a very spirited game against South Africa.
"I don't think the score reflected the game, I thought we put up a really good showing, but we didn't get the rub of the green at all which hurt us there."
The South Africans had a strong day on attack, scoring 16 tries in their three matches, the most of all the teams.
Their defence was also tested, especially against Australia and the United States.
However, the BlitzBoks put in some solid hits to keep their opponents at bay. They only conceded three tries, the least of any of the teams on the opening day.
Werner Kok finished the day as top South African try scorer with four touchdowns, while Seabelo Senatla and Philip Snyman scored three each.
Powell said that it was a difficult day, despite the good results.
"Teams are now looking at different ways to counter us and especially Australia played a very physical match against us," said Powell.
"We have a number of quick steppers in our team and our opponents are trying to stop that. So it could have been better, but I am pleased that we topped the pool. That is always our first aim on Day One."
By Jan de Koning, at the Cape Town Stadium
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@rugby365com
.@BlitzBoks captain Philip Snyman after an unbeaten day at the #CapeTown7s: pic.twitter.com/VvqFDvpcjC
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 10, 2016
.@BlitzBoks Coach Neil Powell is happy with his team's fighting spirit #CapeTown7s pic.twitter.com/pi0G973RQO
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 10, 2016
