The importance of starting strong can never be underestimated, and the Springboks Sevens side did just that when they thrashed Russia 40-5 in their opening match of the Cape Town leg of the 2017/18 World Sevens Series.
The hosts made things look just too easy with a clinical production as they scored six tries to Russia's one, moving one step closer to their goal of winning the Cape Town event after falling out against England in the final at the Cape Town Stadium last year.
The Blitzboks led 26-5 at half time after a try by Branco du Preez and a hat-trick by Seabelo Senatla, while the Russians could only manage one unconverted five-pointer in the opening half and, ultimately, the match.
Two more second-half tries by Tim Agaba and Rosko Specman gave the South Africans an unreachable lead, and the match also included an exciting show by Seabelo Senatla, who is now just one try short of becoming part of the elite 200-try club consisting of Dan Norton, Collins Injera, Santiago Gomez Cora and Ben Gollings.
Senatla will have a chance to reach the milestone when the Blitzboks take on France at 4.10pm (SA time).
Point scorers:
Springboks Sevens:
Tries: Seabelo Senatla (3), Branco du Preez, Tim Agaba, Rosko Specman Conversions: Du Preez (3), Cecil Afrika
Russia:
Tries: Roman Roshchin