The Blitzboks kicked off the defence of their Dubai title with an impressive win against Samoa at the Sevens Stadium on Saturday.
Leading 17-7 at half time, the South Africans scored four tries and Justin Geduld kicked four points in a 22-14 victory over their Pool A rivals.
First-half scores from Christie Grobbelaar, Rosko Specman and Shilton van Wyk laid the platform for the Blitzboks after Faafoi Falaniko touched down in the opening minute for Samoa, before the Pacific Islanders were reduced to six men when Malakesi Masefau copped a yellow card.
WATCH: Specman makes sevens magic
Taunuu Niulevaea struck first after the restart and Pelasio Samuelu Niuula split the uprights with his second conversion of the match, but Impi Visser replied three minutes later as Philip Snyman’s charges held on for the ideal start to the first leg of the new season.
The Blitzboks will now refocus for a clash with Canada at 12.58pm.
Post match comments from Philip Snyman.
SA 22-14 Samoa#PoweredbyUnity pic.twitter.com/Jm4HPA1s5P— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) December 2, 2023
Photo: @Blitzboks/Twitter