Blitzboks started their Emirates Dubai 7s tournament with a hard-fought 15-12 win over the Olympic champions, France.
France dominated the early stages; however, a mistake by France on the attack led to Ryan Oosthuizen running sixty-odd meters to score the Blitzboks' first try and lead 05-00.
However, France struck back immediately when Celian Pouzelgues scored a long-distance try off the kickoff. France led 07-05 after five minutes of play in the first half.
A great kick to the corner by Selvyn Davids put Donavan Don in space to pound onto the bouncing ball to give the Blitzboks a 10-07 lead at the halftime break.
The Blitzbok struck first in the second half with a try by Christie Grobbelaar, extending their lead to 15-07 after two minutes of play.
France again upped the pace of their attack and scored their second try, cutting the Blitzboks' lead to 15-12, which was the final score.
Teams:
Blitzboks: Ryan Oosthuizen, Zain Davids, Impi Visser, Donavan Don, Shilton van Wyk, Selvyn Davids, Ronald Brown. Replacements: Tristan Leyds, David Brits, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Ricardo Duarttee, Christie Grobbelaar.
France: Antoine Zeghdar, Ali Dabo, Andy Timo, Paulin Riva, Stephen Parez, Edo Martin, Celian Pouzelgues, Simon Desert. Replacements: Liam Delamare, Josselin Bouhier, Enahemo Artaud, Luca Mignot, Jordan Sepho.