Blitzboks on top form at US Sevens

Sapa | 11 February, 2012 10:550 Comments

Cecil Afrika of South Africa during the match between South Africa and Kenya on day 1 of the 2011 IRB PE Sevens at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on December 09, 2011 in Port Elizabeth
Image by: Lee Warren / Gallo Images

Defending champions South Africa soared to the top of Pool C with convincing victories over Wales and Uruguay on the opening day of the Sevens World Series leg in Las Vegas.

Having picked up six points on Saturday morning (SA time), opening a two-point gap at the top of the pool, South Africa were set to face France in their final first-round match early Sunday morning.

Playmaker Cecil Afrika scored a hat-trick against Wales as the Blitzboks fought back from an early deficit.

The Welsh grabbed the initial advantage, with Lee Williams scoring a try in the second minute, but the South Africans struck back to lead 12-7 at the break.

Afrika, who scored just before half-time to draw the Blitzboks clear, dotted down twice in the second period as South Africa stormed to a 29-12 win.

Earlier, Uruguary had put up little resistance as South Africa romped to a 21-0 half-time lead, with Afrika scoring two tries.

The South Africans were not as dominant in the second period, but nonetheless coasted to a 35-0 victory.

"Happy with day one, but a few things to work on," said SA coach Paul Treu.

"Our attacking play was good overall and we took our opportunities.

"However, I want us to be more accurate on defence."