Kiwis topple brave Blitzboks
3 Apr 2011
Tomasi Cama scored 18 points to help New Zealand beat the Springbok Sevens 28-20 in the Cup final at the Adelaide tournament.
The sevens veteran grabbed a brace and kicked four conversions. His final try at the death sealed New Zealand’s fifth World Series tournament this season, one that could prove pivotal in their run to the title as chasing England lost ground with their semi-final defeat to the Blitzboks.
South Africa impressed on day two with victories over Fiji and the Poms in play-offs heading into the final. They then delivered a brave performance against the Kiwis, but the eight-time World Series champions were too strong in the closing stages as the Blitzboks tired.
New Zealand were 14-10 up at the break as Cama and Lote Raikabula dotted down. Paul Treu’s charges kept within reach as Chris Dry and Branco du Preez crossed the chalk.
South Africa then found themselves ahead as Cecil Afrika and Paul Delport scored in quick succession, but Frank Halai’s score edged New Zealand ahead. Cama then finished off proceedings with the final try of the game.
Earlier on day two, South Africa produced a good 24-12 comeback victory against Fiji. The Blitzboks fell 12-0 behind as Pacific Islanders ran in two early tries via Emosi Vucago and David Batiratu. In form 20-year-old Sibusiso Sithole kept South Africa in the game with a try before half-time.
The Blitzboks then sealed the win after the restart as they scored three unanswered tries through Du Preez, teen Tshotsho Mbovane and skipper Kyle Brown.
There was a stronger all-round display in the 19-0 victory over England, who are one of the favourites to win the World Series title this season.
Du Preez and Sithole put South Africa 12-0 ahead at the break with a try each. Mbovane then streched their lead to 19 points with an early second half try. Against a stern defence, England couldn’t reach the whitewash and finished scoreless as they were eliminated from the tournament.
Blitzboks fixtures, Day 2:
South Africa 24 Fiji 12
South Africa 19 England 0
South Africa 20 New Zealand 28
For all fixtures and results click here
25 Comments
3 Apr 2011, 05:39 am
Brilliant display by the Orks… Mbuvane (sic) has the best step in RSA rugby… and Frankie Horne (as per normal) showing that South Africans can actually ‘leg-drive’ in the tackle…
3 Apr 2011, 06:00 am
@bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-1: ja finally south africa has a player that can a step. That laaitjie makes laptop thief look lead footed. Finally god listens to my prayers.
3 Apr 2011, 06:52 am
SA 24-Fiji 12
3 Apr 2011, 06:56 am
Next game SA against England
3 Apr 2011, 06:58 am
Forgot to say: The match starts 8h42
3 Apr 2011, 08:05 am
@ KevinRack…what do u mean finally? Forgot bout Fabian Juries? The guy once danced through 10 Bulls to score.
3 Apr 2011, 09:15 am
The only other one in this country with a decent step is Francois Hougaard.
3 Apr 2011, 09:21 am
Final with Blitzbokke v All Backs should be a cracker. England falls further behind whether the Kiwis win or not.
3 Apr 2011, 09:43 am
Gonna be a good final.Go Bokke!
3 Apr 2011, 10:25 am
francois hougaard definitely has lethal sidestep, juan de jongh can also rip, paul jordaan is possesses a mean one…
It was interesting watching an interview last week with tshotsho mbovane saying he loves the sidestep…
3 Apr 2011, 10:28 am
it was also interesting to hear him say that of things don’t pan out in SA for him in terms of the 15man game, he will be going to australia to play rugby league as there has been a lot of interest from clubs over there.
3 Apr 2011, 10:55 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-11: really you mean Cheeky has not approached him to play Super rugby for the Kings.
3 Apr 2011, 10:55 am
Man those big Fijians are really lethal runners
3 Apr 2011, 10:57 am
7-5 Kiwis after six minutes
3 Apr 2011, 10:57 am
14 – 5 after seven
3 Apr 2011, 11:03 am
@AiDoc(AiDoc)-15:
Bokke still in it. Going to be a monster 2nd half.
3 Apr 2011, 11:10 am
14 – 20
3 Apr 2011, 11:11 am
21 – 20
3 Apr 2011, 11:13 am
28 – 20
3 Apr 2011, 11:18 am
Well done AB’s. Exciting,tense game to watch.
3 Apr 2011, 11:54 am
@Transformation(Transformation)-11:
He’ll be broken in half in league over here… having to make 30 odd tackles a game against men with no necks…
Methinks he’s selling his brand already… smart man…
3 Apr 2011, 18:58 pm
Easy peasy.
3 Apr 2011, 23:16 pm
@TheTackler(TheTackler)-22:
You are so kindergarten!
4 Apr 2011, 13:33 pm
@bryce_in_oz(bryce_in_oz)-21:
Andrew Johns,Jason Robinson,Matt Rogers,Nathan Blacklock etc not the biggest blokes but didnt do too badly in league dont u think…….
Would like to see him excell in SA of course but at 19,he can do ANYTHING..Plus has the natural ability as a playmaker.
4 Apr 2011, 13:35 pm
Sibusiso Sithole is a beast…..
There is a future Bok….
JOBE!!!!!
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