It was a fantastic final, as the Lady Blitzbokke came from behind to win the Africa Women’s 7s, beating Kenya 17-12. The two-day tournament was a success, as the Tunisian rugby fans were treated to some fantastic rugby. The tourney was also a 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens Qualifying tournament.
South Africa; by winning the tournament, has now qualified for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco, 2018. They join hosts United States, defending champions New Zealand, Fiji, France, Canada and reigning Olympic champions Australia.
congratulations to @LadyBlitzBokke on your #AfricaWomens7s success…it was a great final…make Africa proud at the #WRWC7s2018 pic.twitter.com/uNvZjhOyde
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) September 17, 2017
The Veroneshka Grain led side had to dig deep, and come from behind to win the Africa Women’s Sevens Qualifying tournament. They defeated the Lionesses [Kenya], who were always their biggest threat going into the tournament. And it proved true, with both showing their class this weekend.
Kenya scored first in the opening half to lead 5-0. The Boks quickly replied, to level the scores. The Lionesses again pounced on the Boks mistakes, to lead at halftime 12-5.
Some strong words from South Africa’s coach Renfred Dazel must have woken up the ladies, as they came out firing after the breather. It didn’t take long for Christelene Steinhoebel to cross over for the Boks, though the conversion from Nadine Roos was wide. That meant they trailled 10-12, with three minutes to play.
With two minutes to play the two most exciting players in the side, Marithy Simmers and Zenay Jordan combined well for Jordan to grab the winner. It was a hard-fought encounter, one that both teams can be proud of.
South Africa become the 16th women's team to qualify for #RWC7s 2018 in San Francisco https://t.co/MKATwQ0ikR pic.twitter.com/zC5WwyofkF
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) September 18, 2017
Road to the Africa Women’s 7s Final
In the semifinals, Janet Okello picked up two tries for the Lionesses, as they hammered the hosts Tunisia 26-7. On the other side of the draw, South Africa walloped the surprise package of the tournament Uganda, 27-0.
Janet Okello landed two tries for the Lionesses in their 26-7 semifinal win over Tunisia at the #AfricaWomens7spic.twitter.com/kHZOOYcS9M
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) September 17, 2017
Both sides breezed through the quarters, with Kenya humbling Morocco 47-0. South Africa thrashed Senegal 43-0, while Tunisia accounted for Zimbabwe 24-7, and the Women’s Sevens Series experienced Uganda women, beating Madagascar 12-5.
The Standouts in African Women’s 7s
The Kenyans continue to improve in all aspects of their gave, with time they will make them overcome the Boks. Uganda was very impressive in the two days, and they will only grow from playing against regional sides.
However, Madagascar were the big improver’s, they can certainly shine against their bigger rivals.
The game is certainly growing in Africa, and with far more exposure the Lady Blitzbokke will be a force to be reckoned with one day.
2018 Africa Women’s 7s Tournament Day Two Results
South Africa 43 Senegal 0
Tunisia 24 Zimbabwe 7
Madagascar 5 Uganda 12
Day One Results:
Pool A
- South Africa 45 Morocco 0 | Uganda 10 Tunisia 15 |South Africa 24 Uganda 0 | Tunisia 38 Morocco 5 | South Africa 17 Tunisia 5 | Uganda 29 Morocco 0
Pool B
- Kenya 27 Madagascar 5 | Zimbabwe 15 Senegal 5 | Kenya 38 Senegal 0 | Zimbabwe 17 Madagascar 28 | Kenya 47 Zimbabwe 0 | Senegal 36 Madagascar 0
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Images Courtesy of Blitzbokke twitter page.
“Main Photo:”
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