The Springbok Sevens began the New York Sevens with a convincing 22-7 victory over New Zealand at the Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday evening (SA time).
Image: @Blitzboks on X
Selvyn Davids scored his 99th try for the Springbok Sevens, Sebasthian Jobb bagged a brace, and Grant de Jager grabbed his maiden five-pointer as the Blitzboks began skipper Impi Visser's 50th tournament with a 22-7 victory over New Zealand at the New York Sevens on Saturday evening (SA time).
Philip Snyman’s charges are chasing a third tournament win in a row, as well as the overall World Series crown, at the New York Sevens at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, which brings the curtain down on the regular season.
With Fiji having suffered an earlier defeat to Argentina, the Blitzboks had an opportunity to land an early blow in the showdown between the joint log leaders.
Davids gave them the perfect start, dotting down after a sniping run down the right wing as he moved one step closer to a century of tries. Jobb added a second try for South Africa just before the break, cutting inside and breaking a tackle after a clever switch with Donovan Don on the left wing.
The Blitzboks led 12-0 at half-time. Jobb grabbed his second try soon after the restart, with New Zealand hamstrung by two yellow cards for ill-discipline. Replacement forward De Jager then rounded off the scoring with his first try for the Blitzboks and was mobbed by his delighted team-mates.
New Zealand managed a consolation try after the hooter, despite being shown a third yellow card. The Springbok Sevens were next scheduled to face France in their second Pool A match.
They only need to finish above Fiji in the final tournament of the regular season to secure the title — and immunity from relegation — ahead of the three-tournament World Championship series.