Blitzboks finish fourth
13 Feb 2012
South Africa were soundly beaten by New Zealand in the Cup semi-finals of the Las Vegas Sevens and then downed by Fiji in the third-place play-off.
The Blitzboks lost the latter game 21-15, but still managed to earn sufficient log points to move up to third on the overall IRB Sevens Series log. The Las Vegas tournament was eventually won by Samoa, who beat New Zealand 26-19 in the final. The Kiwis currently lead the series with 92 points, followed by Fiji (87) and then South Africa (76).
Earlier in the day, a physically superior New Zealand side beat South Africa 20-7 in the semi-finals.
Paul Treu’s charges struggled to match the New Zealanders for physicality at the tackle, and this resulted in many a breakdown turnover. On defence, the Blitzboks were also guilty of missing first-time tackles as the larger New Zealanders used their bulk and strength to break the line.
Tries for Bryce Heem, Tomasi Cama and Mark Jackman allowed New Zealand to go to the break with a commanding 15-0 lead. South Africa’s Boom Prinsloo also received a yellow card for a professional foul right on half-time, a sanction that served as a death knell to South Africa’s chances.
With two minutes to play, New Zealand captain DJ Forbes scored in the right-hand corner to secure his side’s place in the final. South Africa finished the game with a try by Branco du Preez.
For all the results, click here.

24 Comments
12 Feb 2012, 21:59 pm
listen up dragons,it was 20-7 not 20-0
12 Feb 2012, 23:13 pm
If physicality wins 7′s matches, then it sure as hell will do the same in the 15-man code.
White was right.
13 Feb 2012, 00:09 am
It was men vs boys out there.
I also noticed the Bok backs were pretty one dimensional, running straight into the tackle and going to ground. If that’s the extent of the creativity, then I’m not too sure how or why Paul Treu has a shout at coaching the 15s backs…
13 Feb 2012, 00:13 am
Order is restored. Another trophy for the crammed NZ trophy cabinet.
13 Feb 2012, 00:27 am
@TheTackler-4:
What was the score in the final and who was the other team?
13 Feb 2012, 00:58 am
@TheTackler-4: Samoa won in the last seconds.
13 Feb 2012, 00:59 am
@whatever-5: Samoa won. They were ahead 19-5 2 mins to go, Kiwis equalized but Samoa scored on the last attack after the 10 min mark.
13 Feb 2012, 03:04 am
Time to replace Treu and his Orks!
13 Feb 2012, 03:28 am
@Nils-7:
Cheers mate
@TheTackler-4:
Counting your chickens?
13 Feb 2012, 04:04 am
Being 2nd still stretches their lead on the series log, pilgrims.
13 Feb 2012, 04:32 am
@TheTackler-10:
Yeah, but no silverware, no cigar …….. maybe you should have waited until the final was over? Arrogance perhaps?
13 Feb 2012, 04:35 am
or just being a pri ck and too quick in your wind up attempt?
13 Feb 2012, 05:02 am
@whatever-12:
Bwhahahahaha!!! Do you think Tackles is one of those blokes who ‘exhibits’ his participation ribbons he got in Sub A and B for all to see?
13 Feb 2012, 05:03 am
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13 Feb 2012, 05:19 am
I was surprised at how poor the Bok 7′s were. All old SA faults, spilling the ball forward, particularly from the tackle, panic under pressure, not watching and protecting the ball and missing tackle after tackle.
Treu has run out of steam and has a patchy record anyway. New and better coaching team needed; yeah right!
13 Feb 2012, 09:22 am
Samoa break/crush/obliterate/destroy/annihilate/waste Kiwis.
Samoa and Fiji revealing/exposing the secret of NZ success over the years; in reality NZ is nowhere.
Boks arguably the best side but lack belief, if only they will ‘believe’ then the rest will fall into place
Cecil Afrika = Magic, what a player!
13 Feb 2012, 09:50 am
Paul Treu was mentioned to take over the Bok backline?
lol.
13 Feb 2012, 10:20 am
The Lawman baits his hook.
13 Feb 2012, 10:23 am
The Blitzbokke looked better without the ball.
Which, particularly in Sevens, is not a good thing.
Omar is a tool.
13 Feb 2012, 11:00 am
The Blitzbokke only see to look sharp against the weaker teams. As soon as they come up against Samoa, Fiji or new Zealand they become confused and play straight into the hands of the opposition.
Time for the one trick pony coach to stand down.
13 Feb 2012, 11:02 am
LemonBoks have greatly overachieved finishing higher than the Quarters.
Yappies should stop whinging for 2 minutes.
Not that they will.
Or can.
13 Feb 2012, 11:42 am
Wie is hierdie kont wat bo my sit soos n wet dream?
13 Feb 2012, 12:38 pm
“stan”……………………………………………..
………………….this is like The Man With No Name, walking your local bar and saying……………………………….”everything is cool…………………………….nobody is going to die”.
But all guns are loaded.
14 Feb 2012, 01:15 am
@Sheriff-16:
The true secret to NZ sevens success is fitness and the greatest coach to come out of NZ.
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