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'We love it': AB 7s hold on for tough win over rivals RSA
By Finn Morton
In just a few words, All Blacks Sevens co-captain Dylan Collier summed up the esteemed rugby rivalry between New Zealand and South Africa perfectly.
Speaking with RugbyPass after his sides convincing 29-5 win over Kenya on day one of the Hong Kong Sevens, Collier said the rivalry was like going “to war.”
And the All Blacks Sevens were ready.
Playing in a highly anticipated Pool D clash at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday, the fierce rivals forged a new chapter into the rugby sevens history books.
All Blacks Sevens ace Leroy Carter opened the scoring in the third minute following an impressive 60 metre run.
Carter sent the buzzing Hong Kong crowd into a frenzy as he bumped off a tackle attempt from Blitzbokke star Siviwe Soyizwapi on his way to the tryline.
Brute force and speed can’t be taught, and the 24-year-old has both in his rugby arsenal.
While South Africa struck back shortly after through Mfundo Ndhlovu, another New Zealand try to Cody Vai ultimately decided the match.
With the All Blacks Sevens up by five, Carter was tackled into touch – which brought an end to another epic clash between these two rugby mad nations.
“We expect it, we know South Africa are going to come out and give it their all (with) their line speed and what not,” Carter told RugbyPass.
“For us, putting on this jersey is a challenge for us and we love it.
“It’s mean to see the young boys stepping up and following some of the old heads in how they play the game.
“It’s a bright future for our team.
“When you miss players like Sam Dickson and what not, the young boys bring excitement.
“To get that first try, I was pretty surprised I had the legs to get there to be fair but they ended up working.”
With about three seconds to run on the clock, New Zealand held a 12-7 lead. The game was still in the balance, but South Africa needed the ball.
As the clock ticked ever closer to full-time, Carter got the ball, and quickly found himself in space.
Carter was on his way to another memorable try, but this time in front of the legendary south stand.
But sweeper Ricardo Duarttee made the covering tackle and prevented the score, and also brought an end to the contest as Carter as taken into touch.
“I was trying to get to the line and their sweeper was coming across, and I looked up to the clock and I could see there was two seconds left,” he added.
“I got as close to the sideline as I could so if he tackles me I could get tackled out. I didn’t want the boys working too hard to try to cover me.”
The All Blacks Sevens can lock up pole position in Pool D with a win over Ireland on Saturday.
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Latest Comments
It might be legal but he’s sailing pretty close to the wind. Not a lot needs to go wrong for Finau to end up in the bin. Was it late? Not quite, but borderline. High? A couple of CM within the laws, no room for error with that one. Did he wrap the arms? There was a token effort to wrap one arm, the intent was clearly to hit with the shoulder. So yeah, it’s legal, just. But as we all know, a very slight change in the dynamics could easily have him seeing red. Hopefully not when it really matters.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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