South Africa made it an impressive four World Sevens Series titles on the trot in Dubai with a resounding victory over Ireland.
The Springbok Sevens, who kicked off their title defence with a loss to Great Britain on Friday, outscored the Irish three tries to one in the finale for a 21-5 win to prove no team does it better in the desert than SA.
The South Africans did exceptionally well to cut off the possession for Ireland’s big men like Harry McNulty with their impressive line speed and spatial awareness on defence, while were clinical on attack.
Ricardo Duarttee, making his Blitzbok debut in Dubai, was flawless in front of the posts.
Speedster Shilton van Wyk split Ireland open from the kick-off for a 7-0 lead to the Blitzboks inside the opening minute, before stretching their advantage after jinking his way over from close range.
Skipper Siviwe ‘Shakes’ Soyizwapi latched onto a loose pass from Ireland inside his own half for SA’s third try and 21-0 at half time.
Jack Kelly barged over in the corner late on for Ireland, but the men in green kept their composure until the final whistle to secure a first series win for Blitzbok coach Sandile Ngcobo. Earlier, New Zealand thumped the USA 32-12 in the third/fourth place playoff.
South Africa got to the final after an injury time try from Shilton van Wyk clinched victory against New Zealand on Saturday.
Trailing the Kiwis 12-0 at half time in the second Cup semi-final, the Blitzboks scored 26 points to book their place in the showpiece of the second leg of the 2022-23 World Sevens Series.
New Zealand opened the scoring in the corner via powerful winger Caleb Tangitau,with the South Africans slipping tackles as the Kiwis looked to exploit space out wide.
Blitzboks playmaker Dewald Human limped off after making a good covering tackle and Tangitau bagged a second on the buzzer to give New Zealand the advantage at the interval.
The South Africans made the perfect response after the break when Muller du Plessis pounced on a loose ball for a breakaway score, before the find of the weekend, Ricardo Duarttee, doubled their lead in fine fashion.
Akuila Rokolisoa hit back for the Kiwis to make it 19-14 with less than three minutes left to play, but then lost Amanaki Nicole to a yellow card, and Branco du Preez levelled the score to set up a nail-biting 26-19 finish to the 29th meeting between SA and New Zealand in the semi finals.
SA will now look to double up back home in the three-day Cape Town tournament, starting at Cape Town Stadium on Friday.
My Goat Sports 