South Africa beat Scotland 26-12 on day one of the Dubai Sevens to secure top spot in Pool B.
The Blitzboks had to work hard for the win, but did enough to get through the pool stage unscathed.
In a closely contested first half both teams scored two tries, with Seabela Senatla going over twice for the Blitzboks. A missed conversion separated the sides as Scotland trailed 14-12 at the break.
In the second half, the Blitzboks pulled away via tries by Justin Geduld and Juan de Jongh, while also sharpening up in defence to keep the Scots scoreless.
The Blitzboks will face the USA in the Cup quarter-finals on Saturday (10:06 on SuperSport 6).
Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images