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The Springbok Sevens team were slow out of the blocks in their opening match of the HSBC SVNS Los Angeles as Ireland kept them scoreless on the way to a 17-0 victory.
The Blitzboks started their game against Ireland in the worst possible way, spilling the ball from the kick-off and allowing the Irish to score a converted try in the opening minute.
The Irish kept that momentum for most of the half, playing almost all of their rugby in the Blitzboks' half and enjoying 90% of the possession. They outworked the South African defence two more times for a 17-0 lead at the break.
The second half was better from the SA side, but they just could not cross the Irish line. They were pinged at the breakdown and when in possession, gave it away or kicked ahead, with no result.
They will have to improve dramatically in their next match against log leaders, Argentina, if they want to make it into the final eight. The match starts at 20h36 (SA time).
Scorers
Ireland 17 (17) - Tries: Connor O'Sullivan, Zac Ward (2). Conversion: Ed Kelly.
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