Chronicle EditorDUBAI. – New season, same result.
South Africa won the opening leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai at the weekend, picking up where they left off last year. The Blitzboks produced an electrifying display of attacking rugby at the Sevens Stadium, topping their pool undefeated before overcoming Fiji, Samoa and finally New Zealand in the knockout stages to lift the trophy.
First half tries from captain Philip Snyman, Player of the Final Kwagga Smith and the prolific Seabelo Senatla helped South Africa to a 24-12 win against the Kiwis in the gold medal match.
The victory means the reigning World Series champions, winners in five of the 10 legs last season, top the standings with 22 points ahead of next week’s action in Cape Town.
“A lot of credit must go to the guys,” said South Africa head coach Neil Powell. Every time they put their boots on and get onto this pitch, there’s just this hunger and desire to be successful again. It’s brilliant.”
Senatla, the 2016 Sevens Player of the Year, added: “It was a great performance from the guys. It’s been a while since we all played together but it’s so great to win again in Dubai.”
Speaking to CNN’s World Rugby show ahead of the Dubai tournament, Snyman spoke of the unity among the squad ahead of a busy 2018 schedule.
“The squad has matured, we have the same goal and everyone sticks to the game plan . . . so hats off to all the guys in the team. This is a massive season ahead of us especially with the Commonwealth Games and World Cup at the end of the season. We focus on the results of the game and we believe if we stick to that, if we do everything to our ability we will be successful,” Snyman said.
England edged out three-time Series champion Fiji in the bronze medal match with an industrious display – tries from Phillip Burgess, Ruaridh McConnochie and a double from Tom Bowen earned England a 28-21 win. – CNN.
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