The Blitzboks ran in six tries for a commanding 36-7 victory over Samoa in the cup semi-finals of the Dubai Sevens on Saturday.

Neil Powell’s side will play New Zealand, who beat England, in the first cup final of the new World Sevens Series season at 5:02pm (SA time).

Defence has been the foundation of South Africa’s performances so far this weekend, but they produced their best, most complete display in this semi-final. The Blitzboks were a cut above Samoa in terms of physicality, composure and finishing.

Playing with plenty of endeavour, Samoa scored in the third minute through Paul Scanlan. South Africa responded immediately from the subsequent kick-off. Justin Geduld provided the spark with a brilliant linebreak before Zain Davids finished off in the corner.

The Blitzboks turned on the style after that opening. They worked hard at the breakdowns, made several important turnovers and suffocated the life out of any potential attack Samoa had hoped to launch with great spot tackling.

Chris Dry and captain Siviwe Soyizwapi snatched tries number two and three to hand the Blitzboks a comfortable 19-7 lead at half time.

The Blitzboks played with power and precision in the second stanza. Ruhan Nel put his name on the scoresheet soon after the restart, followed by a try for Seabelo Senatla. The result was nicely wrapped up when Selvyn Davids outpaced the Samoa defendce to collect his own kick ahead for what could go down as one of the best individual tries of the tournament.

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