From Last Word on Rugby, Jovilisi Waqa
The Cape Town Sevens turned on a spectacle on it’s opening day. The second leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Cape Town brought out the best in local fans as they celebrated the way their team was playing. New Zealand and Fiji look good as the Blitzboks chase double at home.
Blitzboks Chase Double At Home
The South Africans are chasing the double at home after their win in Dubai. They look like the polish side that is hungry to restore the pride of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ in the rugby world. It has been a good week for them and they want to continue that here at home.
Their biggest threat is and always Fiji. On their day they know the Islanders can step up to payback for last week defeat. On the other hand, the Kiwis are looking like a potential threat. If their is a team that can nullify the Africans prowess in the background it is the Kiwis.
The Kiwi forwards have woken in Cape Town with DJ Forbes playing some good rugby. The old horse together with Tim Mikkelson have had a good day. Mikkelson is back running some good lines with Rocky Khan outstanding too.
Cape Town Sevens: Day One; THE LOWDOWN
Pool A (South Africa, Australia, USA, Russia)
The South African strolled through their pool games untested. With fireworks from all sides of the field, they were unstoppable. Cecil Afrika, Kyle Brown and Seabelo Senatla are on song which could mean that the back-to-back title is possible.
.@Blitzboks captain Philip Snyman after an unbeaten day at the #CapeTown7s: pic.twitter.com/VvqFDvpcjC
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 10, 2016
The Americans join the hosts in the quarters courtesy of their 19-0 victory over Australia. They were complacent against the Russians allowing them to score three tries. As the result of their bad start the Aussies join Russia in the trophy challenge.
Pool results:
Australia 0-19 United States, South Africa 41-0 Russia, Australia 36-0 Russia, South Africa 28-10 United States, United States 26-17 Russia, South Africa 29-7 Australia.
Pool B (Fiji, France, Kenya, Japan)
Fiji like teams of yesteryear’s left it to the death to put away France and Kenya. Defense and lack of concentration still lingering their game. The other teams are watching but when they turn up they are ruthless.
France, like LWOR predicted, have turned up the notch here in Cape Town. They look like the French of old with more determination and cohesive.
Pool results:
France 14-33 Kenya, Fiji 33-7 Japan, France 50-7 Japan, Fiji 28-22 Kenya, Kenya 24-5 Japan, Fiji 28-19 France.
Pool C (England, New Zealand, Argentina, Canada)
The Kiwis were put to the wire by the Canadians but held on for a 19 all draw. Discipline has been the Kiwis problem in the pool stages if not rectified could be their downfall on day two. DJ Forbes and Tim Mikkelson look to be on song and can only be better for the Kiwis.
The English look good but will need to work on discipline too. Tom Mitchell and James Rodwell need to step up on the second day.
With @englandrugby through to the Cup quarter-finals, we spoke to England’s most capped sevens player @James_Rodwell #CapeTown7s pic.twitter.com/MkJtPbNCmg
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 10, 2016
Argentina continued their downward spiral from Dubai with another lackluster outing. Canada showed glimpses of improving but still join the Pumas in the Trophy playoffs.
Pool results:
New Zealand 26-12 Argentina, England 33-10 Canada, New Zealand 19-19 Canada, England 19-14 Argentina, Argentina 43-14 Canada, England 7-33 New Zealand.
Pool D (Wales, Scotland, Samoa, Uganda)
Scotland continued their fine from Dubai winning Pool D three from three. They came from behind against Samoa and pipped fellow Celtic side Wales. They look good for Day Two as they can go all the way.
Wales held the hapless Samoans scoreless 17-0. The Islanders will be hoping for Belgium Tuatagaloa and Falemiga Selesele to return for Sydney. Scotland and Wales go through with Samoa and Uganda at the bottom half.
REACTION: Three wins from three on day one of the #CapeTown7s, through to the Cup quarter-finals. @wighty10 reacts on a big day. pic.twitter.com/9uf7hq9SWA
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) December 10, 2016
Pool results:
Scotland 21-19 Samoa, Wales 29-7 Uganda, Scotland 38-7 Uganda, Wales 17-0 Samoa, Samoa 29-5 Uganda, Wales 21-24 Scotland.
Day Two Fixtures
Challenge Trophy Quarter Finals
Australia vs Uganda, Argentina vs Japan, Samoa vs Russia, France vs Canada.
Cup Quarter Finals
South Africa vs Wales, New Zealand vs Kenya, Scotland vs USA, Fiji vs England.
Who Will Reign in the Rainbow Nation?
On paper and current form the Blitzboks look set to go for the double. They barring any upsets could meet the Kiwis in the semis and possibly England or Fiji in the final.
The Kiwis look good for the semis with Scotland and the Americans to surprise all. However, with current form either of the Celtic sides could make it all the way to the final. As much as I don’t want to say it, it will be another Fiji and South Africa final.
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