Powell relishing Kenyan quarter-final challenge


Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell expects a tough challenge when his charges face African rivals Kenya in their quarter-final at the Sydney Sevens on Sunday.

South Africa on Saturday scored two impressive victories over Spain (38-0) and England (33-12) to secure top spot in pool C of the third leg of World Rugby's Sevens Series.

The Blitzboks opened their account with a 50-0 win against Papua New Guinea at the Allianz Stadium on Friday already.

Powell, was satisfied following his side's performances, which saw them scoring tries and only conceding two.

"We always aim to top the pool, but the way we do it is also important. The execution was good and we had two good performances out there today. The guys implemented well today," he said.

The fact that they kept England in particular under pressure with a good defensive effort also pleased the coach.

"We pride ourselves on our defence," added Powell. 

"We did well today. We did concede tries, but that happens."

Powell was clear about what needed to be done on Sunday. Kenya will be the first hurdle towards the successful defence of the title they won here last year.

"We need to fix one or two things as we were not sharp in all areas, like line-outs," he explained.

"In quarter-finals you cannot afford to make a mistake, so it will be important for us to make another step-up on Sunday."

Rosko Specman, who scored a quick brace against Spain, left the field just before half-time of that match after an ankle strain and did not play again.

"We decided to pull him from the field and will see how he feels in the morning. We will do a proper medical and hopefully he will be fit to play," said Powell.

Against Spain, two early tries by Specman set the tone. Ruhan Nel, Justin Geduld, Seabelo Senatla and Dylan Sage also scored, with Geduld converting four of those.

In their match against England, the Blitzboks conceded a try in the opening minute, but tries by Senatla, Cecil Afrika and Geduld regained the lead at the break.

Geduld scored soon after the restart for a 28-7 lead and although England managed another try, a second by Senatla confirmed the win. Geduld also kicked four conversions.

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