The Blitzboks made a confident start to the HSBC Dubai SVNS with a great 22-14 win against Samoa.
Samoa started like a house on fire with Faafoi Falaniko strolling over for Samoa's first try, however, two minutes later Christie Grobbelaar blitzed down the line to score the Blitzboks' first try. A minute later Rosco Specman controlled a bouncing ball to score the Blitzboks' second try to take the lead for the first time of the match with 10-07.
A yellow card to Samoa's Malakesi Masefau opened up a gap brilliantly taken by Shilton van Wyk to crash over for the Blitzboks' 3rd try. The Blitzboks lead 17-07 at the halftime break.
Taunuu Niulevaea scored Samoa's second try after 3 minutes of play in the second half, however, a late try by the Blitzboks' Impi Visser secured the Blitzboks' much-needed 22-14 win.
Scorers:
Blitzboks: Tries: Christie Grobbelaar, Rosko Specman, Shilton van Wyk, Impi Visser. Conversion: Justin Geduld.
Samoa: Tries: Faafoi Falaniko, Taunuu Niulevaea. Conversions: Pelasio, Samuelu Niuula (2).
Teams:
Blitzboks: Ryan Oosthuizen, Shilton van Wyk, Selvyn Davids, Zain Davids, Rosko Specman, Christie Grobbelaar, Justin Geduld. Replacement: Quewin Nortje, Dewald Human, Masande Mtshali, Ronald Brown, Impi Visser.
Samoa: Paul Scanlan, Faafoi Falaniko, Malakesi Masefau, Pelasio, Samuelu Niuula, Vaovasa Afa Sua, Motu Opetai, Taunuu Niulevaea. Replacements: Paul Eti Alesana-Slater, Taitaifono Senio, Tavita, BJ Lima, Elisapeta Alofipo, Faamaoni Jnr Lalomilo.
