Powell pleased with Blitzbok performance in Singapore

SPRINGBOK Sevens coach Neil Powell was pleased with the opening day of the HSBC Singapore Sevens yesterday, when the Blitzboks secured wins over Scotland (33-0), Russia (2110) and Kenya (14-0) to top Pool C.

They will now play New Zealand in the quarterfinal in the Singapore National Stadium today.

“We ticked all the boxes today so I am pleased. We had a bad first half against Russia.

“I gave a couple of guys from the bench a chance to start and they were perhaps a bit overeager to do things and did not look after the systems in place.

“Luckily we had enough time to pull it back, thanks to the guys coming off the bench,” Powell said.

“We saw with some of the other leading teams also losing today [Saturday] that teams tend to be less sharp on day one after the hype from the Hong Kong tournament the week before and almost fell in the same hole.

“We must give the guys credit for the way they came through.”

The team started well in the opening match against Scotland, scoring in the opening minute via Kwagga Smith, converted by Justin Geduld. Tim Agaba also scored a converted try before the break.

In the second half Seabelo Senatla reached 50 in tries for the season.

“I wasn't really focused on that but I suppose a half century in any sport is good, so I am pleased to move past the 50 mark,” Senatla said.

“We needed to take control today and I think we did that, so I am really looking forward to our playing tomorrow [today].”

Against Russia the Blitzboks had to scramble. Trailing 12-0 with four minutes to go, two quick-fire tries by Smith saw the lead overhauled and the result secured.

Against Kenya two tries by Senatla on either side of half time proved the difference between the two African sides. — sarugby.co.za