The Springbok Sevens defeated Kenya by 26-7 in the first all-Africa World Series Cup final played at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday morning (SA time) thereby retained the Adelaide Sevens title. The victory also allowed South Africa to stretch their World Series lead to 28 points over England.
South Africa thoroughly deserved their title again as they first had to overcome New Zealand and Fiji before their convincing display against Kenya on the third and final day of the tournament. In doing so they also exacted revenge for their 15-14 pool loss against the same opposition on day two at the Adelaide Oval.
Paul Treu’s team went into the halftime break with a vital 14-7 lead after tries by Robert Ebersohn and Vuyo Zangqa. The Kenyan captain Humphrey Kayange replied with a fine converted effort.
After the break, Kenya came out attacking the SA line almost at will, but the Springbok Sevens held firm and their defence was simply outstanding.
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The next installment in the exciting IRB Sevens World Series starts tomorrow in Adelaide and SA Sevens is ready to defend it’s crown from last year.
The Springbok Sevens won the 2008 final against a powerful New Zealand team and they eventually finished second on the Series log behind their great rivals.
The South Africans shrugged off their disappointing showing at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai with some sparkling displays of attacking rugby in Hong Kong last weekend, where they lost a thrilling final by two points to crowd favourites Fiji.
That performance allowed Paul Treu’s men to regain the outright lead on the Series log (84 points). Another good showing in Adelaide will edge the SA team closer to their ultimate dream of winning the Series outright for the first time.
Last weekend the team lost the services of Philip Snyman who, during the past few months, have developed into a key member of the team. Snyman sustained a hip injury in Hong Kong and have already returned home to Bloemfontein.
Howard Noble has already joined the team as replacement and his experience has allowed him to slot in easily with the rest of the squad.
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