Blitzboks complete hat-rick
but because of the unbelievable support the team enjoyed over the two days at the iconic Cape Town Stadium.
Not even the long queues for beer or a bite to eat could dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm over the weekend. This tournament had a few teething problems, but it could become one of the premier events on the Sevens calendar.
What makes the Cape Town Stadium special is the acoustics, and the stirring rendition of the national anthem set the tone for the South Africans in the final. And the team delivered despite going behind against Argentina early in the match.
Another thing that made this win special was the fact that the Blitzboks had had to contend with fighting for the Plate last weekend in Dubai, and that they started slowly on day one in the Mother City.
But the introduction of Rosko Specman into the starting line-up on knockout day seemed to give this team a bit more verve and punch.
After Argentina had taken the lead in the final through German Schulz, the Blitzboks hit back with a great individual effort from Specman. Seabelo Senatla, who had a rather quiet tournament by his prolific standards, then scored the 101st try of his Sevens career when he collected a stab-kick by playmaker Justin Geduld.
Another man with some German heritage, Axel Muller, pulled one back for the Argentina to see them trail 17-14 at half-time.
But Senatla soon stretched the Blitzboks’ lead to eight points shortly after the break after showing his incredible pace to score in the left corner.
Ryno Benjamin then sealed the deal after a Cheslin Kolbe break that left the crowd gasping and the Argentina defenders grabbing fresh air.
The Blitzboks had beaten France 21-12 in the semi-final.Juan de Jongh, Specman and Philip Snyman scored the Blitzboks’ three tries before half-time to secure their passage to the final.
Senatla scored his 100th try in their 255 quarter-final win against Australia.
It was arguably their best performance after Saturday's stuttering displays, which included a shock defeat to Kenya in their second pool match. The South Africans certainly lifted the intensity and played with a lot more verve in their five-tries-to-one demolition of the Aussies.
Australia took the lead via a Pama Fou try, but the Boks rallied through playmaker Justin Geduld. Juan de Jongh then scored the second try with some impressive stepping.
But it was Specman who was instrumental in the move that led to Phillip Snyman’s try, while a well-worked training-ground move led to De Jongh’s second score. Kwagga Smith put the icing on the cake when he galloped more than 70 metres to score.
France won the the third-place playoff by beating fan favourites Kenya 28-26, Fiji beat the USA in the plate and Scotland beat England 19-0 in the bowl final.