The second leg of the Men’s World Rugby Sevens Series has come to an end and it was a surprise Ireland vs South Africa challenge in Dubai., meaning the two teams that made it to the finals after an intense day. Here’s how it went.
We begin Quarter Finals It started with an unexpected victory of Ireland who surprised the strong Argentina and won 19-14. Australia’s 24-19 loss against the USA confirmed yesterday’s struggles in the group stage. On the other hand, victory was clear for New Zealand, which recovered and held France scoreless, conceding 20-0 after dominating the group stage. South Africa struggled in the last match but managed to beat Samoa 24-19.
Semifinal Emotions are offered starting with Ireland-USA. Zach Ward put the Irish ahead in the first half, Perry Baker equalized early in the second half and Mark Roche sent Ireland into a surprise final as time almost ran out for the decisive try. The comeback victory, however, was for South Africa in a derby downer against New Zealand. Caleb Tangitou’s two tries put New Zealand 12-0 up, then Müller du Plessis closed and Akulia Rokolisova stretched again, but Branko du Preez and Shilton van Wyk between 13′ and 15′ changed everything as the Blitzbokke won by 19-26 to go to the end.
Inn Conclusion South Africa got off to a shocking start as they found a break with Shilton van Wyk on the very first ball. Cue a timid response from Ireland, who have never won a stage of the Sevens series, but it is South Africa who strike again with Shilton van Wyk at 14-0. Ireland closed the first half in attack, Blitzbokke very foul, but a sensational pass reached, intercepted and Civwe Soiswapi tried to make it 21-0. Controlling the match in the second half, South Africa kept Ireland in possession, however, with Jack Kelly scoring after 4 minutes of play. South Africa beat Ireland in the final 21-5.
Photo: Mike Lee – KLC Photos for World Rugby
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