The Blitzboks beat Samoa 12-0 to set up a meeting with New Zealand in the Paris Sevens Cup semi-finals.

South Africa were made to fight for every inch in the quarter-final against Samoa. The islanders were competitive at the collisions and breakdowns, and it took as many as six minutes before the game saw its first try.

The Blitzboks scored two tries in the dying stages of the first half. Cecil Afrika finished superbly after a sustained buildup. Werner Kok showed great strength to breach the final line of defence. Ultimately, they took an important 12-0 lead into the break.

A fierce defensive performance in the second stanza allowed South Africa to maintain that 12-point advantage. That display bodes well for a semi-final meeting with New Zealand, who dominated in their quarter-final win against France.

The Blitzboks enjoy a significant lead at the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series table. They will secure the overall 2016-17 title if they win the Cup final in Paris.

CUP SEMI-FINALS
Scotland vs England (14:18)
South Africa vs New Zealand (14:40)

All the Paris Sevens fixtures and results

Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images