Blitzboks see off the French

– The Springbok Sevens team yesterday started their HSBC/Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sevens tournament on a winning note, beating France 17-10 in their opening pool B match at the Hong Kong National Stadium.

The Blitzboks take on Kenya and Canada today in Day Two of the tournament, the seventh in the 2016/17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Cecil Afrika (above), who became only the fifth South African to reach 50 tournaments in the series when he took the field, scored the decisive try against France after the teams were level at 10all at the break. Two early tries by Siviwe Soyizwapi and Branco du Preez edged South Africa 10-0 ahead, but two quick tries by the French cancelled the lead.

Afrika then pounced for a 146th career try and Branco du Preez converted.

The match also saw the debut of Selvyn Davids, who became the 164th Blitzbok to play in the series.

Coach Neil Powell was not too critical of his team’s performance.

“It was a long day and we only played late in the last match of the day,” Powell said.

“We made some errors out there and that helped France to stay in the game, but we will be a better team because of it. Some of the youngsters got the opportunity to stretch their legs as well and they will benefit from that experience.”

Hong Kong