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The SA Rugby Sevens Academy
ended their two-week South American trip on a perfect
note by winning the Sudamericarugby 7s tournament in
Vina del Mar, Chile, early on Monday morning (SA time).
The South Africans also claimed gold in Punta del Este
recently in the first of two tournaments held to
determine the final two South American qualifiers for
the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which will take place in San
Francisco in July.
The victory in Chile completed a very satisfying trip
for the Academy side, where Cell C Sharks fullback Rhyno
Smith, and three former SA Schools Sevens players,
Muller du Plessis, Angelo Davids and Henk Cilliers, were
introduced to the rigours of international sevens rugby.
"We are delighted in the outcome of the trip," said
Schoeman.
"Not only did the squad play to their full potential on
Sunday to win the title, we also ticked other important
boxes like blooding new players into the system and
confirming the belief that our sevens structures are
sound.
"We faced a host of international teams in South America
and with two spots for the World Cup Sevens on offer,
they came with a great purpose. Congratulations to Chile
and Uruguay, who in the end qualified."
The South Africans had a tough opening day in Vina del
Mar, where they lost to Ireland and drew against Brazil.
They were in top form on the second day though, and
dispatched Germany 26-12 in the quarter-final and
Uruguay 29-7 in the semi-final.
In the final, the SA Rugby Sevens Academy outplayed the
French Academy 34-7.
"That big score against France was a true reflection of
how well the guys did in that final," said Schoeman. ¡V
Source: African News Agency |
