South Africa won the men’s rugby sevens final 26-14 against France, ending a nine-year title drought. The United States defeated Australia in the women’s semifinals but lost to New Zealand in the final. New Zealand’s captain noted their readiness to return home with prizes for the holiday season.
South Africa ended a nine-year title drought in rugby sevens by triumphing over France with a score of 26-14 in the men’s final, held in Cape Town on Monday (AEDT). The men’s final was tightly contested, tied 14-14 at halftime, but South Africa managed to assert its dominance in the second half as France committed several errors and penalties under pressure. Dewald Human’s strategic grubber kick led to a significant try by Shilton van Wyk, followed shortly by another by David Brits. This victory marked South Africa’s first home title win in the World Series since 2015.
In the women’s tournament, the United States delivered a remarkable performance by overcoming Australia’s defending championship title in the semifinals with a score of 24-19, despite trailing earlier in the match. The Australians faced France in the bronze medal match and suffered another narrow defeat, ending their tournament run at 17-14. Meanwhile, New Zealand clinched the women’s title by defeating the United States 26-12. New Zealand’s resurgence followed a loss to Australia in the previous week’s Dubai final, but they now stand atop the standings. The captain of New Zealand, Sarah Hirini, expressed pride in their achievement, stating they would return home with valuable rewards for the Christmas season.
This article discusses the recent Rugby Sevens tournament held in Cape Town, which featured both men’s and women’s competitions. It highlights South Africa’s long-awaited victory in the men’s category after nearly a decade of absence from the top position, showcasing their skills against France in a fiercely competitive final. The women’s tournament also provided dramatic matches, particularly the upset of Australia by the United States in the semifinals, establishing its significance in women’s rugby. The narrative emphasizes team performances, tactics, and the emotional highs of the competition.
In conclusion, the Rugby Sevens tournament in Cape Town highlighted significant achievements for both the South African men’s team, which broke a nine-year title drought, and the New Zealand women’s team, which regained its championship status. The pivotal matches underscored the rising competitiveness in rugby sevens, particularly evident in the United States women’s team’s remarkable comeback against a strong Australian team. These events not only reflect the skill levels in international rugby but also set the stage for exciting future tournaments.
Original Source: wwos.nine.com.au
