Stopped in his tracks
Another week, another loss in a final, but Neil Powell’s (below) troops remain very consistent despite a mini injury crisis.
The Blitzboks strengthened their lead in the World Rugby Sevens Series in Hamilton yesterday with yet another top two finish at the NZ Sevens.
The South Africans were beaten 24-17 by Fiji in the final, but they now lead the World Series after four tournaments and are eight points clear.
The lead they’ve built is a good reflection of the consistency showed by the squad rocked by injuries over the last two weeks.
They lost their captain, Philip Snyman, and senior player, Ruhan Nel, to injury after the Sydney Sevens and then Dylan Sage after Day One of the inaugural Hamilton event due to concussion.
They also faced Fiji without the services of the injured Justin Geduld and Rosko Specman, and had to play the final with only ten fit players.
Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell was disappointed in the result, but said overall it was a good trip for the team and he is proud of their efforts.
“That is Sevens for you. We had an opportunity to score and did not, they countered and scored and then got the momentum. One or two moments like that and the game is gone,” the coach explained.
“It was a very good and gutsy performance by the team. We fought until the last minute, I cannot ask for more. We had a tough week, but the guys really stuck to their guns.”
Seabelo Senatla, who scored eight tries at the tournament, said the players are pleased with the weekend’s effort, despite the defeat in the final.
“It was tough with only 10 players as our bench is important to bring new energy into the team, but we did well under the circumstances and I think we played better than in last weekend’s final in Sydney.”