The Blitzboks slumped to a 17-12 defeat against England at the Singapore Sevens on Saturday.

England continued their stranglehold over the Blitzboks with yet another win over the series leaders in their final pool game. Throughout the season England have managed to outsmart South Africa and Saturday was no different.

The winners matched the Blitzboks’ physicality in the tackle and managed to successfully disrupt Neil Powell’s men at the breakdown.

The Blitzboks made the worst possible start when they failed to secure possession from the kick-off, which allowed England – through Charlie Heyter – to score 18 seconds into the match.

England dominated the rest of the first half and starved the Blitzboks of decent ball. However, with the clock lapsing over to stoppage time, Chris Dry made a turnover and from there the ball was distributed wide to Werner Kok, who ran in untouched for a converted try that gave South Africa a 7-5 lead at the interval.

But England’s relentless attack didn’t ease up at the resumption. Tom Bowen extended their lead with a brilliant try from an attack that originated within England’s in-goal area and Dan Norton outstripped the Blitzboks defence to dot down soon after for a 17-7 lead.

South Africa did manage to get to double digits with a try from replacement Tim Agaba. They turned down the conversion attempt in order to get one last restart, but England held on for the win. 

Singapore Sevens fixtures and results

Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano/Getty Images