Fiji retain Bok stranglehold

Fiji continued its stranglehold over the Springbok Sevens with a 26-12 victory over the South Africans in the Plate final of the NZI New Zealand Sevens in Wellington earlier today.

The two teams played to an exciting 7-7 draw in their pool match on Friday, with South Africa spoiling two clear cut chances right at the end to secure a rare victory over the Pacific Islanders.

In the Plate final, Paul Jordaan and captain, Kyle Brown scored a try in each half to keep the Springbok Sevens within distance of Fiji.

However, it was the greater physical strength and the clever kick-and-chase tactic of Fiji which saw them ran out as deserved winners of the Plate decider.

Earlier, the South Africans had proved too strong for Wales, Branco du Preez (2), Lubabalo Mtembu and Paul Jordaan all scoring to book their place in the final.

A frustrated Paul Delport and Paul Treu watch from the sidelines (Screenshot: Mike Jansen)

SA Sevens coach, Paul Treu, was understandingly disappointed afterwards: “Our decision-making must be better and we are still making too many unforced errors. We had the chance to beat Fiji on Friday night but our composure let us down again.

“We are working hard on correction those unnecessary but crucial mistakes and it will also take a bit more time for this young unit to grow as a team,” said Treu.

SA Sevens coach Paul Treu congratulates his Fijian counterpart (Screenshot Mike Jansen)

The Springbok Sevens coach was full of praise for the efforts of former SA Schools star Paul Jordaan, who had an excellent match against Fiji in the Plate final, scoring a scintillating individual try in the first half to announce his arrival on the Sevens circuit.

“He is a huge talent and his try showed what he is capable of. He just needs to keep his head down and work hard at his game and the rewards will come his way. His try reminded me so much of Juan de Jongh (now a full 15s Springbok), who also scored a great try here in Wellington a few seasons ago,” explained Treu.