South Africa defend the Adelaide Sevens title
South Africa successfully defended their Adelaide Sevens title with a convincing 26-7 win over Kenya in the final on Sunday. It was the first ever all Africa final, something which should go a long way in terms of the drive to get Sevens into the Olympics. Kenya, who have come on immensely of late, had actually beaten South Africa 15-14 in the pool stages the day before. The final was too big an ask though, with the experience of the title holders showing.
"It's the first time that we've retained a title, I think we've pretty much achieved every single goal (we set)," South African coach Paul Treu said.
"It is a good feeling because the guys were really heartbroken last night when we lost our last pool match against Kenya. I think they wanted to make up for it today."
The Springbok Sevens side stretched their lead over England in the overall series to 28 points, with just two legs left.
Sitting on 104 points now, they are the frontrunners with England behind them on 76, Fiji on 74, Argentina on 68, and New Zealand on 64. Unless things go horribly wrong in London and Edinburgh, it looks like they’ll take the series.
Treu said they're not going to get ahead of themselves just yet though.
"Yes, it is going to be difficult for the other teams but we would tend to focus on the things that are in our control and win more tournaments.
"Credit to Kenya. They played in their first IRB final and are improving and they deserved to be in the final."
Time: 07:14
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posted by GMC at
10:23 am | PERMALINK
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10 Comments:
HELL YEAH!!!
By
kiwi, at April 09, 2009 1:03 pm
Fantastic to see - Kenya will only be better in future finals. Surely the Olympic Committee can't ignore the game any longer?
On another note - the rucking at 7s is just a mystery to me. When the Kenyan players hit that ruck before the final try they drive the SA back five or six meters, while the guy on the floor just keeps his hand on the ball. Explain that... Every week watching the 7s I am left confused at some of the refereeing decisions at the ruck... Are there separate protocols in use?
By
hackney griffin, at April 09, 2009 1:28 pm
Congratulations to Kenya, just what the sport needed. Oh, and well done SA...
That's the title wrapped up for this year. Not a bad time to be a South African sports fan: World Champs rugby, No. 1 in cricket (I know, I know, but they are, aren't they), and now Sevens champs.
Good on 'em.
By
Kerivoula, at April 09, 2009 2:44 pm
i always thought if they cud get places like kenya to pass the ball well... theyd be really good. half them have the speed already lol
By
bD, at April 09, 2009 3:37 pm
Well done Kenya, nice to see the minnow countries compete well at 7's.
And where is the super 14 highlights... can't wait to see them!!
By
Abs7, at April 09, 2009 3:58 pm
Ebersohn - top player. Look out for him off the bench at the 2011 WC..
By
FrankyH, at April 09, 2009 7:06 pm
These sevens commentators are so terrible. Great to see Kenya making the final though! Love this version of the game.
By
Rob, at April 09, 2009 7:54 pm
Awesome for Kenya! Its already a "potencia" in 7ns
By
Anonymous, at April 09, 2009 8:59 pm
sevens is amazing!! definetly an olympic sport.
rugbydump i think you should have a seperate section for sevens- like world cup 2007- but for the sevens series
By
Anonymous, at April 12, 2009 1:17 pm
Look out for Kenya, they look brilliant. Could be a Fiji of the future? Not many players but gifted ones at that. was not sure about that ruck either, but man did that kenyan blast it hard!
By
Anonymous, at April 13, 2009 3:53 am
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