Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

South African 7's Pay the Ultimate Tribute to Mandela

In what could almost be a script written for a Hollywood blockbuster, South Africa again triumphed over New Zealand on South African Soil. This time though it was the 7’s team emerging victorious in what was a hard fought, and no doubt highly emotional victory.

Just a few short days after the passing of Nelson Mandela, and playing fittingly at Nelson Mandela Bay, the South African’s had an amazing come from behind victory, after being down 14-12 at half time. One try was all it took in the second half to secure victory, but in a game like 7’s rugby that’s often all it takes.

Victory for South Africa also places them in a very competitive second spot, just two points behind New Zealand in the overall competition standings. With around six weeks off before the next round in Las Vegas, New Zealand will need to do a LOT of regrouping before their next battle.

It has to be said though, to see South Africa win on such an auspicious occasion, I can’t help but feel there is a certain rightness to this. We have arguably the two best 7’s squads in the world at the moment competing, and the better team won on the day. Mandela would have been proud, as I’m sure the whole nation was.

Moving forward we get into the business end of the competition, with USA, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong all in the not too distant future. New Zealand will have a lot to prove, and a lot to fight. Fiji are ten points of the pace, but the way they play that doesn’t mean much. Plus as I mentioned the South African factor. New Zealand are used to being the power team in the series, behind veteran captain DJ Forbes. The Men in Black look set to have a real arm wrestle on their hands, and all it will take is a couple of Fijian victories for the series to be smashed wide open.

Remember, the IRB are also streaming every game of every series live on their website as well, make sure you check out the amazing coverage and enjoy this spectacle. For those of you new to rugby this is by far the best introduction. Fast paced, frenetic, high scoring and action packed! This series has started big and is only going to get bigger.

The South African team deserved this win, and I have nothing but respect for them. They always turn up to play, and to play hard. This victory was the ultimate tribute to their beloved former leader, and spiritual mentor. His impact on rugby, and on sport in general will be long remembered.

Onward to Las Vegas!!

 

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Main Photo Credit: Rene Breen via Flickr

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