Springbok Sevens coach Paul True would have been happy with the way in which his side demolished a competent Tunisia 42-0 on Friday in the second round of the pool matches at the IRB Sevens World Series in Dubai.
It was also a match in which Fabian Juries showed that he is back after missing the last two tournaments because of injury and his wife’s illness. The devastating footwork, a Juries hallmark that sees him still third on the all-time try-scoring list despite missing many tournaments over the past two seasons, was again evident as he rounded two hapless Tunisians in an impressive Springbok display.
Earlier, the Springboks breezed past Canada 31-5
England, well ahead at 24-5, leaked three tries in four minutes as Canada fought back to draw their match 24-all and put England in the invidious position that they now have to beat South Africa and also rely on a Tunisia win over Canada to go through to the quarterfinals. Points difference could well decide the second-placed side in Pool D.
A surprise to some would have been Kenya’s second-round win over one of the pre-tournament favourites, Wales. Kenya won 14-12 – but they had given ample warning of what they’re capable of when they held Samoa to 24-19 in the first round.
This makes it imperative that Wales win their match against Samoa to play in the quarters, failing which they must hope that Kenya are off the boil against the United States, who have been somewhat out of their depth.
The same applies to Australia after their 19-12 defeat to Argentina, who now have to beat Zimbabwe while the Aussies have the daunting task of simply having to win against Fiji to advance to Saturday’s quarterfinals.
Scotland, who were are at the wrong end of a 41-5 first-round beating against New Zealand, surprised France 17-12, while the All Blacks outclassed the Arabian Gulf 64-0. — Sapa