Schoeman pleased with SA Rugby Sevens Academy showing in Dubai
SA Rugby Sevens Academy Manager, Marius Schoeman, expressed satisfaction on his team’s performance at the Emirates Dubai Sevens International Invitational, despite a 19-7 defeat to the England Royals in the final of the tournament on Saturday.
He also predicts a number of this squad to be drafted into the Springbok Sevens squad soon.
The SA Rugby Academy on Friday won all three their matches, beating the national teams of Poland, Belgium and Les Bleus Sevens to top their pool.
Today, they outplayed Georgia 38-7 and then beat the Tribe 26-7 in the semifinal to secure a place in the final.
“I am disappointed in us not defending the title we have won the last six years, but strange as it may sound, our main aim was to expose the next level of players to this intensity and level of rugby. It is never nice to lose if you have a Springbok on your chest, but I think we got a lot out of the tournament, despite not winning the final.”
Schoeman noted that ten newcomers travelled to Dubai for the first time.
“Given the time we had together as a team and how the guys improved the last two days, I am more than happy. Some guys joined us only five days ago. I am expecting to see a couple of these new faces drafted into the Springbok Sevens squad sooner, rather than later,” Schoeman predicted.
“Our aim this year is to expose and develop the next group of players that can play for South Africa and I think we are on the right track.”
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
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