Blitzboks crash, but take top spot

The Springbok Sevens team yesterday moved back to the top of the World Rugby Sevens Series standings despite a 29-0 humbling by Australia in the final of the Sydney Sevens.

The Blitzboks, who started the tournament in second place, moved past New Zealand after three tournaments in the series with the next in Hamilton, New Zealand next weekend.

South Africa started the final without their influential captain, Philip Snyman (pictured) due to a hamstring injury, and earlier had to replace Ruhan Nel due to a sprained knee.

Sikhumbuzo Notshe replaced Nel for the final two matches, becoming the latest Springbok Sevens debutant.

Earlier, the Blitzboks proved way too slick for the US in the semifinal, beating them 35-7 after a 17-0 win over Kenya in the Cup quarterfinals took them into the last four.

They scored the most tries in the tournament and made the most tackles, but it did not help.

The home side, who last won a tournament on home soil in 2002, had too much firepower for the defending champions, who trailed 14-0 at the break.

There was very little on attack coming from the Blitzboks and they slipped off 25% of their tackles, something that did not please coach Neil Powell.

“There is not much to be happy about. We had a couple of chances in the first half, but we were not clinical enough. Even in the first phase we were poor, lost two of our scrum feeds, and had a poor option from a lineout as well.”

Powell said their defence was good during the weekend, but poor in the final.

“We only conceded two tries all day, but then five in the final. That was very disappointing. Fact is teams are getting better all the time. We must make sure we stay ahead of the pack. We have another opportunity in New Zealand next weekend, so will need to make one or two adjustments when we get there.”

Powell said the injuries of Ruhan Nel and Philip Snyman will be assessed as soon as possible and replacements may be called up.