The Blitzboks continued its indomitable reign at the top after beating England 29-14, to clinch the 2016-17 Sydney Sevens cup at Allianz Stadium. The 3-time tournament winners now extend the overall lead to 85 points, far placed from England seated in the second position with 68 after a successful semifinal showdown against Australia.
South Africa kicked off without wasting time, immediately scoring three tries (19-0) in the first without an English response. The leaders’ momentum did not drop, getting another try through Justin Geduld (second of the night) to make it 24-0 before England could attempt to score.
The men’s final also saw leading World Series try scorer, Seabelo Senatla plays what should be his last Sevens outing for 2016-17 before joining Super Rugby teams.
On the possibility of a comeback next season in Sydney, “I hope so.
“I think it all depends on the coach but in the beginning of the circuit, I’m always available. It all depends on how they structure everything and how the tournaments are but hopefully, I will be back.
“It’s sad but we knew that this moment was going to come so I kind of prepared myself for this moment, but excited as well.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I’m leaving on quite a good note and the guys are actually encouraging me to do my thing. I won’t say it’s all bitter, it’s bittersweet in a sense.[/perfectpullquote]
“It’s quite incredible to finish like this. The system has given me so much as a player, not just with my rugby but I’m more developed now as a human being as well.
“I think it’s a perfect way to leave the system.”
Senatla played what should be his last Sevens outing for 2016-17 in style. (News Corp Australia)
Senatla’s exit may be an emotional one but with the proper structures and systems in place, the Springbok Sevens team has produced impressive results for South African rugby.
Blitzbok winger, Siviwe Soyizwapi is expected to fill Senatla’s shoes after the latter’s presence limited his playing time.
As pressurizing as it may seem, the 24-year-old also known as “Shakes” by teammates, is confident in the set-up of the Sevens squad which he says, makes it easy for new players to adapt to the system.
“I am happy to run onto the field and get some game time.
“In terms of my progress, the system in the team is of such (nature) that you an easily slot in and perform, provided that you stick to the structures.
“The coach always says that we need to trust the system and he was proved right many times.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”A winning team is a happy team and we are all in a good space. We are losing two big players soon, but the next guy coming in will be able to fill any shoes, as the system will look after him.”[/perfectpullquote]
Soyizwapi has nine tries for the Blitzboks so far and still has ambitions for more.
Featured photo: South African players celebrate with Fiji fans after beating England to claim the Sevens Cup in Australia. (News Corp Australia)
