Blitzboks fall at last hurdle
10 Dec 2011
GARETH DUNCAN, reporting from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, watched the Blitzboks concede a last-minute try in a 31-26 Cup final defeat to New Zealand on day two of the PE Sevens.
The inaugural PE Sevens finished in 20 minutes of madness.
Ahead and during this fixture, the crowd created a magical atmosphere – something that was missing throughout the weekend’s festivities. The St Georges band arrived late during the day and their presence ignited an electric mood around the park, especially with the large All Blacks club who sat themselves in the seats below them. It was a fitting stage for the Blitzboks and New Zealand, who were clearly the two best teams at the tournament.
For New Zealand, it was their eighth consecutive Cup final appearance while it was only the hosts’ third in their history, having previously won one and lost one – both to the former. And on this occasion, the Kiwis went on to win their ninth South African leg Cup title thanks to Tomasi Cama, who scored and converted a try in the last move of the game.
It was a close contest in the first half, which ended 17-14 at the break in the Kiwis’ favour. DJ Forbes led from the front and powered over for the opening try, which was cancelled out by Bernado Botha’s finish. The hosts were then dealt a blow when Boom Prinsloo was yellow-carded for a professional foul at the breakdown.
From a defending scrum, the Blitzboks crumbled and Cama capitalized to dive over for his first five-pointer. Once South Africa returned to seven men, Botha went on to score his fourth try of the tournament – but New Zealand held a slender half-time lead after Frank Halai crossed the chalk.
The Blitzboks dominated the early parts of the second half, surging into a 26-17 lead with Steven Hunt and Cecil Afrika running over from close range. But defensive lapses at the death saw Halai and Cama complete their braces, the latter score a controversial one as a few South African players believed they were tripped during the final play. But Australian referee Anthony Moyes waved play on as Cama broke South African hearts.
The day’s results sees Fiji and New Zealand share the World Series table lead with 51 log points each. The Fijians performed badly on day two, which ended with a 48-0 thrashing from Wales in the Plate final. The Blitzboks find themselves third on the table with 48 log points while England (47) and France (38) trail closely behind.
Earlier in the day, the Springbok Sevens downed Samoa 12-7 in the Cup semi-final.
It was a physical clash and one the hosts handled well as they kept the game tight and capitalised on favourable field position. They spent most of the first half in Samoa’s 22m area, and they finished two scoring opportunities to take a 12-0 half-time lead. A Branco du Preez side step and break opened the scoring while Botha showed great power out wide to finish in the corner. Samoa ended the half with six men when Afa Aiono was sin-binned for striking Kyle Brown with the forearm.
After the second stanza restart, South Africa placed a greater emphasis on restricting the Pacific Islanders – which they did to great effect. Samoa struggled to break into the hosts’ red zone but managed to score a late try through Paul Perez. The Blitzboks, however, still did enough for a place in the Cup final
In their first match of the day, Cecil Afrika scored two crucial tries in the Springbok Sevens’ 26-12 win over France in the Cup quarter-final.
Coming off a 19-5 Cup defeat to the French in the same fixture at the Dubai Sevens last weekend, the Blitzboks ended on top on this occasion thanks to their hometown playmaker. But it didn’t come easy, as an attacking error saw Terry Bouhraoua put the opposition 5-0 ahead.
An Afrika run set up Boom Prinsloo minutes later while the former also dotted down after sniping a gap. But Renaud Delmas finished off a late attack, which capitalised on the hosts’ shaky rearguard. The half-time score read 12-12.
The Blitzboks produced a strong second half showing to seal their place in the top four. Brilliant stepping from Afrika saw the speedster grab his 70th World Series try while Botha finished off proceedings after chasing down a Du Preez chip.
Blitzboks’ fixtures, day two:
Cup quarter-final: South Africa 26 France 12
Cup semi-final: South Africa 12 Samoa 0
Cup final: South Africa 26 New Zealand 31
Click here for all day two fixtures and results
1,234 Comments
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12 Dec 2011, 16:16 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-949:
who would’ve thought the Squirrel Hunter had it in him?
12 Dec 2011, 16:16 pm
guys leave Poopa alone, ‘Shaggy’ deserves our sympathy more.
All Black’s Rugby World Cup jerseys stolen
TOBY ROBSON Last updated 18:00 12/12/2011
Adam Thomson has had his two prized World Cup jerseys stolen from his home in a burglary.
The 29-year-old tweeted his misfortune after arriving home to find his Dunedin apartment ransacked in what he described as a ”meticulous” job.
Thomson, who has recently been overseas, posted the following tweet: ”Came home to find my apartment has been meticulously burgled. Real scum of society who think they have the right to invade a person’s home.”
He then followed a few minutes later with: ”I don’t care about the replaceable things, but what lowlife steals my worldcup test jerseys?”
It’s unclear how long Thomson’s home had been unattended but he played for the southern hemisphere side in the Heroes Rugby Challenge match in London last weekend to raise money for Britain’s injured servicemen and their families.
Some of his 5,226 twitter followers were quick to join in his anger and offer the 24-test All Black their support.
David Clegg summed up what most people will be thinking in tweeting: ”Wow that really sucks. I hope they catch the scumbag and give the All Blacks front row 5 minutes alone with them.”
Another tweeter offered hope that the thieves had not found Thomson’s World Cup winner’s medal.
Thomson played two matches at the World Cup before succumbing to injury and had a key role in the 37-17 win against France during pool play.
12 Dec 2011, 16:16 pm
@poppa69-948: the civil approach didnt work?
with everyone?
surely you found one or two saffas being civil with you like i am now?
or did they all simply insult and denigrate nz?
porky pies.
@the artist formerly known as gunther-949: i have hair
rather chilled since i have been using apnea to kill my brain cells (spearfishing).
12 Dec 2011, 16:17 pm
Contrary to over analysis I just prefer to think of Pooper as challenged… Simple
12 Dec 2011, 16:18 pm
@rangerman-947:
They’d still double team you given the chance
Ron Jeremy style..
But with less warmth.
12 Dec 2011, 16:20 pm
@rangerman-947:
yeah ranger… exactly…
this is a forum for discussing rugby… amongst other topics too…
we put out our opinions… if people don’t agree with us… they’ll tell us so… even if the majority don’t agree with us… we can hardly say they’re ganging up on us…?
we all give it… we all cop it… from time to time…
if we’re always at odds with so many people… do we conclude everyone else is wrong… and we’re the only one with a valid opinion…?
To quote uncle albert…
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” Albert Einstein
12 Dec 2011, 16:22 pm
@justrugby-950:
you remind me of a johnny.
always lurking in the background waiting to dart in and steal the rangers fish.
but one good whack to the nose and you scarper.
or wet the floor?
cant remember now.
@Transformation-952: no ways, an all black flank being out-pilfered?
12 Dec 2011, 16:24 pm
@rangerman-957:
You couldn’t even spear a fish in a farken aquarium !!!
12 Dec 2011, 16:25 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-955: a terrifying thought.
woof wants me at the bottom of the tub with 350 kilos round my waist?
i am nauseous now.
@Upho-956:
haha, albert had a sense of humour for sure.
its easy to test poppas motivation.
simply be civil to the guy even if he is being uncivil and see how long he persists for.
12 Dec 2011, 16:25 pm
@rangerman-957: they know shaggy is rubbish and didn’t deserve to be in that team before matt todd hence they “thieves” decided to strip him of his prized adidas all black jerseys
12 Dec 2011, 16:27 pm
@justrugby-958: you are correct, that would be unethical.
but you are welcome to dress like a fish and test the rangers aim. i will give you a two minute headstart but remember, this isnt the hot tub and there are no safe words.
(Quiet one) woof
12 Dec 2011, 16:28 pm
@Transformation-960: what???
he is awesome!
next all black captain i hope.
12 Dec 2011, 16:29 pm
@rangerman-959:
yeah ranger… i tried too…
yeah.. einstein had a great sense of humor and humility…
my favorite quote of his… and one that illustrates his wit perfectly…
“Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl…
is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”
Albert Einstein
12 Dec 2011, 16:30 pm
@justrugby-958: ag anyways, lets stop all this silly bickering.
how bout it?
12 Dec 2011, 16:30 pm
@rangerman-961:
Please man Stevie Wonder has more chance than you !!
12 Dec 2011, 16:31 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-955: What…!!!? But Ron Jeremy is a legend… and a man amongst men…
Better to think of Gwanty and Mini-me would as Belladonna and Houston…
Much more pertinent considering their daily ga.ngbanging on Keo…
12 Dec 2011, 16:31 pm
@Transformation-960:
a jersey for the ‘lowest scoring and mostly cheated wc final’ cant be worth much anyway… no emotional cache…
12 Dec 2011, 16:32 pm
@rangerman-964:
Deal !
12 Dec 2011, 16:37 pm
@rangerman-964:
@justrugby-968:
good on both of you…!!
12 Dec 2011, 16:37 pm
@Upho-963:
he had a few crackers for sure, like the one about the definition of insanity..
i also enjoyed the quips (not quirps et, quips ok?) by winston churchill:
In war it does not matter who is right, but who is left – Winston Churchill
Democracy is the worst system devised by wit of man, except for all the others – Winston Churchill.
Sir, if you were my husband, I would poison your drink. –Lady
Astor to Winston Churchill Madam, if you were my wife, I would
drink it. — His reply
Lady Astor: “Mr. Churchill, you’re drunk!” Winston Churchill:
“Yes, and you, Madam, are ugly. But tomorrow, I shall be sober.”
and they go on and on and on.
12 Dec 2011, 16:39 pm
@justrugby-965:
ok, deal.
what do we do now?
12 Dec 2011, 16:39 pm
@rangerman-970:
yeah… churchill was funny too… caustic… but funny…
12 Dec 2011, 16:40 pm
@rangerman-971:
group hugs…
you, justrugby and grant…
12 Dec 2011, 16:42 pm
@au revoir mon tout noirs, au revoir…-967: awww dont be like that..
rugby is but a game
one the ABs are the best at..
and one where SA just make up the numbers…
4 more years!!
12 Dec 2011, 16:48 pm
@rangerman-953: Im a staunch patriot ranger, first and foremost… and I will defend my country at all times, and yes, it does have its problems too..
thing is, I used to really respect SA rugby, but seeing the total lack of respect for NZ rugby I simply had enough…and it all began in 2009… the 3-0 whitewash was great for you guys, and I thought perhaps it had heralded the long awaited return of the true Bokke… but the derision of NZ after that was pathetic and over the top..
so now I just begin serve, and collateral damage is acceptable..
12 Dec 2011, 16:53 pm
@Heavens Game-966:
Can you tell us some more of your Aryan stories from last night they were really good?
12 Dec 2011, 16:54 pm
@NZINCHINA-976: he’s been enlightening us with the mating habits of all the different types of primates…
nothing like the voice of experience huh?
12 Dec 2011, 16:56 pm
@poppa69-977:
He’s a real Aryan I hope he can tell us more.
12 Dec 2011, 16:59 pm
So now we all neanderthals?
Howveryfuckingrude
12 Dec 2011, 17:00 pm
@NZINCHINA-978:
true blue isnt it? I think he may really be Eva braun, seems the cyanide didnt kill her, just turned her into a narcissistic, old racist fool..
12 Dec 2011, 17:00 pm
Wazzup kiwis.
12 Dec 2011, 17:01 pm
@NZINCHINA-976:
tell us some of your chinese stories.
you know, the ones with the happy endings.
12 Dec 2011, 17:03 pm
not much Dawn, suffering from severe rugby depravation is all..
yourself?
12 Dec 2011, 17:03 pm
It is true.
HG is dyed in the white wool racist.
He says things like “slanty eyes”
12 Dec 2011, 17:05 pm
@poppa69-975: you’re talking sshit. you fired the first salvo, even before anyone from SA derided new zealand after the 3-0.
don’t start lying now, remember bloemfontein?.
12 Dec 2011, 17:06 pm
Pops. You know we love you here but don’t call us neanderthals or we will moer you.
12 Dec 2011, 17:06 pm
@poppa69-980:
He’s more like a Colonel Klink.
12 Dec 2011, 17:08 pm
@Transformation-985:
agh nobody takes what poops says seriously.
he has as much cred as Jessie Duarte did.
leave him to wallow in the dirty puddle of his discontent.
12 Dec 2011, 17:08 pm
Trans. Tell me about Tac!
12 Dec 2011, 17:08 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-982:
I’m not Chinese, HG stated last night he was an Aryan, I’ve never blogged with a real Aryan very exciting.
12 Dec 2011, 17:09 pm
@Transformation-985: cmon Trans, now youre talking sshit… wasnt it KKK and Whatever that did it? best you run of to the archives now..
@Dawn-984: thats one of his mild ones Dawn…
12 Dec 2011, 17:09 pm
Ag pops is ok just a bit onbeskof sometimes.
12 Dec 2011, 17:12 pm
@the artist formerly known as gunther-988: thats the second time youve posted that “no one takes me seriously” part
yet so many seem to respond… cant quite fathom it myself, why you yourself seem to respond to every post I make..
seems a strange thing to do if you dont take me seriously
@Dawn-986: Would never call you a neanderthal Dawn… your famous for your grouse arent you?
12 Dec 2011, 17:13 pm
When pops comes to sa I will personally buy him several drinks then drive him to manenberg for the night!
12 Dec 2011, 17:14 pm
Yes. The whiskey.
12 Dec 2011, 17:16 pm
@Dawn-994: Id share a drink with you anytime Dawn… I would with most on this blog, though I dont think many would want to share a drink with me.. unless of course as a prelude to increasing their chances of giving me a good poesklap..
12 Dec 2011, 17:18 pm
Yes. I foresee a brawl of note.
12 Dec 2011, 17:19 pm
@Dawn-997: I could recite my poetry to you while we have that drink
12 Dec 2011, 17:20 pm
You sap.
I am made of sterner stuff.
12 Dec 2011, 17:21 pm
@NZINCHINA-990:
Oh.
I thought that some of the local culture might have rubbed off on you.
Ho hum.
@Dawn-994:
that canoe won’t last 5 minutes in Mannenberg.
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