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Sevens Boks impressive
09/02/2008 21:27 - (SA)
Sam Diego - South Africa's Sevens rugby side safely negotiated their first hurdle at the Petco Stadium in San Diego when they beat a highly motivated US Eagles side 36-0 in an impressive performance.
The home side, who had impressed in the second and third tournaments of the present IRB World Sevens Series in George - where they lost the Plate final by a single point - and at Wellington where the won the Shield, openly set their target on not only beating the Springboks but advancing to the quarter-finals.
While Springbok coach Paul Treu was wary of the home side's onslaught, the experienced Boks simply had too much class and pace for a side that probably tried a little too hard to impress.
The Eagles' objective of reaching the quarters was probably dented together with their confidence, and they will have to pick themselves up to beat England in their second pool match of the day. Their last match in Pool D is against lowly Mexico, which the Eagles should easily win.
New Zealand, chasing their sixth successive tournament win and also a record of 35 successive match wins, took Wales in their stride in the first match. The All Blacks won 19-0 without really exerting themselves.
If they reach the semi-final, the All Blacks - now with 30 successive wins - will beat their own record of 34 matches set in the 2001/02 series.
Scotland, a vastly improved side in the present series, beat France 19-12 in the other Pool A match.
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Rugby
