Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side ends Rugby Africa Sevens pool stage on high after slow start

The Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side slowly warmed to their task in the pool stage of the Rugby Africa Sevens at the Labourdonnais Sports Club in Mauritius on Saturday, with victories over Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso.

The South Africans began the tournament with a 17-5 victory over Nigeria’s Black Stallions in a scrappy, error-strewn opening match where they struggled to find their rhythm or assert themselves on their opponents.

It took one moment of brilliance – a dummy pass from the energetic Ricardo Duarttee, or “Tricky Ricky” – to send Joel Leotlela over in the right-hand corner for the only score of the first half.

Flyer Sebastiaan Jobb had an almost immediate impact off the bench in the second stanza, his converted try after 11 minutes stretching SA’s lead to 12-0.

The Nigerians hit back two minutes later to reduce the lead to 12-5. It was no more than their endeavour deserved, even if they were guilty of schoolboy handling errors at times.

Masande Mtshali had the final say for the Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side. He dotted down in the right-hand corner after some good inter-passing as the favourites seemed to have finally woken from their slumber.

There would be no further additions to the scoreline but Philip Snyman’s charges will have been left with plenty to ponder going into the second match of the tournament.

The South Africans started the second pool match against Zambia far better than the first, a foot in touch denying Grant de Jager the early score. But a few minutes later, they made the most of turnover ball on the Zambian tryline for Joubert Schoeman to score.

The Zambians levelled the score at 7-7. But their joy was short-lived, after Schoeman rose high and collected the ball off the kick-off to canter over the whitewash.

The game seemed headed for a thrilling second half after Zambia fought back to draw level again before half-time (14-14).

However, the class of the South Africans finally told. Mfundo Ndhlovu showed great strength, shrugging off tackles and powering over the line as the Springbok Sevens ‘A’ side eventually ran out 33-14 winners.

The South Africans adopted a more measured, patient approach to their final pool match against Burkina Faso, giving the ball air and going through the phases. It yielded early dividends when Jaden Nel scored the opener for SA, doing well to fend off a tackle and score in the left-hand corner.

No 8 Ezekiel then pounced on a neat Schoeman grubber to extend the score to 12-0 in favour of the South Africans. They were beginning to express themselves and brilliant handling skills, sidesteps and feints by Ezekiel Ngobeni and scrumhalf Rowan Malgas resulted in another try for No 10 Leotlela.

The half-time score was 19-0.

De Jager was one of the standout players for SA on attack and in defence in the first stanza. However, the second half quickly turned into the Ndhlovu show, with the No 12 showing off his full repertoire of skills after coming off the bench.

First there was the goose-step as he sped off down the right wing, weaving inside and out as he streaked towards the tryline. The veteran showed plenty of gas as he left defenders trailing in his wake.

Then there was the display of power in a try that was almost a carbon copy of the earlier score, shrugging off tackles after he had burst through the Burkina Faso defensive line in midfield and dotting down. He seemed untouchable as the South Africans ended the day with a flourish, and a 33-0 triumph.

The Pool B winners will know, however, that they cannot afford another sluggish start on Sunday, as the tournament reaches the business end.