Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu was quite happy with his side’s defence in their first match when they beat Argentina 24-7 in the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series in George on Friday — but the Boks needed hardly any defence when they overran Uganda 41-0 in their second match.
In a round where Kenya were again the giant-killers in beating England 17-7 and by three tries to one, and Scotland surprised Australia 21-10, New Zealand also had free reign as they trounced Zimbabwe 41-0, while Samoa had to come from behind to defeat Tunisia 24-12.
Fiji were too good for the United States and ran out winners by 47-7, while Argentina showed how good a side they can be when they beat pre-tournament hopefuls Wales 24-12 after totally controlling the match.
It was that man Fabian Juries again for the Boks. He mesmerised the Uganda defence throughout and added another two tries to the brace in his first match.
But Treu would have been a little worried about his side’s tendency to still make too much contact — a weakness he identified after the first pool round.
”We were a little nervous about the match against Argentina,” Treu conceded afterwards, ” but we’re now confident that we can win our pool.”
How easy it proved to be, his side showed two hours later, although Uganda were hardly the best measure of the Boks’ strength. The score of 41-0 was perhaps pleasing, but too many opportunities were spilt, although it must be conceded that a good side will lose concentration against one as poor as Uganda who seldom won a ball with which to attack.
South Africa has only the match against Wales to make sure of their first place in Pool C and go through against Australia or Scotland.
Australia still have to play Samoa, and Scotland have to face Tunisia, making the latter the favourites to advance to the quarters to face the Boks.
England, if they want to reach the quarters, will have to beat New Zealand or hope that Zimbabwe beat Kenya, while Fiji are through and will face one of Kenya or England. — Sapa