The Blitzboks beat Zimbabwe 26-5 to take an early lead at the top of Pool B on day one of the Cape Town Sevens. JON CARDINELLI reports.

While South Africa's performance against Zimbabwe was unconvincing, Kyle Brown and his charges did enough to secure the result. After one round of matches, South Africa lead Pool B. The group also features England and Kenya, two teams that battled to a 19-19 draw earlier in the day.

The Blitzboks were physically dominant in the first half, and fed off the Zimbabweans' mistakes. Juan de Jongh, Cheslin Kolbe and Justin Geduld scored tries to ensure the hosts went to the break with a 19-0 lead.

The vibrant crowd inside the Cape Town Stadium expressed its approval when Geduld scored on the half-time hooter. The fans were just as generous when Zimbabwe scored shortly after the break through Riaan O'Neill.

The Blitzboks ended a disappointing second half on a high note when Rosco Speckman broke the Zimbabwe line and dotted down under the posts.

BLITZBOKS' REMAINING FIXTURES (DAY 1)
16:10: vs Kenya (match 24)
19:56: vs England (match 24)

Cape Town Sevens pools and fixtures

Photo: Carl Fourie/Gallo Images