Blitzboks down gutsy Wales

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The Blitzboks produced an efficient performance to defeat Wales 22-7 in their opening match at the Paris Sevens on Saturday.

The Springbok Sevens side came into this event as double defending champions, having won in Paris in 2017 and 2018, and hoping to complete a rare three-peat. And while their Paris Sevens title defence didn’t get off to the most dazzling start, the Blitzboks were still efficient enough beat an impressive Wales side in their opening match.

South Africa had virtually no possession in the first half and yet Wales – with all the possession and all the effort – couldn’t find a way through turn their utter dominance into points.

And then after soaking up everything Wales threw at them in the opening six minutes, the Blitzboks scored at the first available opportunity. With the Welsh on attack, South Africa forced a turnover before from Muller du Plessis executed a perfect chip and chase to dot down.

The second half was more evenly contested in terms of possession and territory, but again South Africa’s staunch defensive work derailed Wales.

Tries by Cecil Africa, playing in his first tournament since the 2018 London Sevens, and Branco du Preez, extended South Africa’s advantage. Wales would eventually get on the scoreboard through an intercept try, but Mfundo Ndhlovu sealed the victory for the Blitzboks with a fourth and final try.

Photo: @Blitzboks/Twitter

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Mariette Adams