The season thus far has been tough for the sevens side but having five wins in the LA Sevens to their name, they entered the tournament with confidence and with a goal to win.

Playing in slippery, wet conditions and on ground suitable to the Canadians’ game plan, the match got off to a tough start for the Blitzboks. 

The first half saw domination in possession from the Canadians but Christie Grobbelaar opened the scoring for the game that got off to a rather nervous start. Grobbelaar was well set up for touch down by Ricardo Duartee who took the ball from a lineout break in his own 22 and ran strong from there, breaking up the middle before being stopped. With the help of Ronald Brown, Grobbelaar then scored the opening try. 

The second half saw a better performance from the Blitzboks and also a chance for Duartee to get his moment as he claimed the final try of the game. Breaking from the back of the scrum he took the South Africans to their 12-0 victory.

Claiming a try in each half secured a win for the Blitzboks opening fixture but they will have to push harder to ensure further victory and a possible 6th title in the USA. 

The Springbok Sevens are in Pool B alongside Uruguay, Ireland and the Canadians. They are yet to play Uruguay at 01.02am on Sunday morning, followed by Ireland in what could be a decisive final pool fixture at 05.03am.

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport