South Africa win back Africa sevens crown
South Africa’s sevens academy side scored a confidence-boosting regional victory at the CAR Africa 7s to underline the country’s strength in depth ahead of the upcoming rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Dubai and South Africa.
In doing so, the side won back Africa’s sevens crown at the Prince Edward School in Harare, which was won by Kenya in 2013.
Featuring seasoned veterans such as Chris Dry and Steven Hunt, South Africa’s second string went unbeaten in the tournament and beat Kenya’s Shujaa in the final 38-5.
Both nations topped their respective pools and went on to reach the final with respective wins over hosts Zimbabwe, 19-12 and Tunisia, 29-5. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, ensured that the home Harare fans went home happy with a morale-boosting 41-5 win against Tunisia to finish third.
Pool A standings: 1 South Africa (academy), 2 Tunisia, 3 Madagascar, 4 Senegal, 5 Zambia, 6 Botswana
Pool B standings: 1 Kenya (Shujaa), 2 Zimbabwe, 3 Namibia, 4 Uganda, 5 Nigeria, 6 Ivory Coast
BLITZBOKS HEAD FOR DUBAI
On the same day as their countrymen regained regional bragging rights, Neil Powell’s Blitzbok senior side embarked on the journey to Dubai for the Emirates Dubai Sevens, round 2 of the world series.
Two notable inclusions are Kyle Brown and Rayno Benjamin, pictured. Brown has recovered from the injury he suffered at the Commonwealth Games, while Benjamin was part of the world series-winning side in 2008/09 and his inclusion signals South Africa’s intent in this Olympic qualifying season.
Final ranking CAR Africa Sevens, Harare, Zimbabwe
1. South Africa (academy)
2. Kenya (Shujaa)
3. Zimbabwe
4. Tunisia
5. Namibia
6. Uganda
7. Madagascar
8. Senegal
9. Zambia
10. Botswana
11. Nigeria
12. Ivory Coast
Courtesy of World Rugby
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