Springbok Sevens’ Quest for 1st Sydney Title Still On as South Africa through to Quarters

The Springbok Sevens team on Saturday lost to England 21-15 in their final pool A match of the Sydney Sevens… BUT (phew!) remains on track for a third World Rugby Sevens Series tournament title.

South Africa will face USA in the Allianz Stadium on Sunday in one of the four Cup quarterfinals to be played on Day Two of the fourth tournament of the series.

The team did secure wins over Japan (32-0) and Kenya (14-7) and were edged by England in the final pool match, but never got going in hot, humid conditions.

The Blitzboks’ coach, Neil Powell, said: “Last week we managed to build up steam, but today we just could not do the same. In a way, this was a good thing to happen, because our character will now be tested.”

Powell said the first aim, to get into the Cup quarterfinals, was achieved and the quest for a first Sydney title is still on.

“We will have some introspection tonight, close the door on Day One and then go out and do our best tomorrow,” he said.

Sentala’s try was his sixth of the day, extending his all-time Springbok Sevens try-scoring record to 186 tries.

South Africa plays the United States at 03h42 SA time, Sunday morning.

Source: SARugby.co.za