Blitzboks too good for Kiwis in Dubai win

The Blitzboks have won the opening leg of the 2019/20 World Rugby Sevens Series after outclassing New Zealand in yesterday’s Dubai Cup final.

South Africa emerged 15-0 winners after they outplayed their rivals in every department throughout the contest.

The Blitzboks had earlier beaten Argentina (12-5) and Samoa (38-7) in their quarterfinal and semifinal encounters, respectively.

Coach Neil Powell’s men were far better than their opponents in the first half, but a 5-0 lead was all they had to show for that dominance when skipper Siviwe Soyizwapi went over for a try in the left corner towards the end of the half.

Before that, the Blitzboks had come agonisingly close through Chris Dry and Zain Davids, but somehow the Kiwis managed to keep them out.

After dominating possession and territory in the opening stages of the second half, Dry got his reward following another sustained period of Blitzboks attack.

New Zealand finally found some rhythm towards the end of the match, but, by then, it was too little too late. And when Seabelo Senatla pounced on a loose ball and ran the length of the field to score South Africa’s third try, it was game over. – Sports24

• Scorers

South Africa 15 (5)

Tries: Siviwe Soyizwapi, Chris Dry, Seabelo Senatla

New Zealand 0 (0)

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