Inspired South Africa clinch home Sevens title in Nelson Mandela Bay

The Blitzbokke celebrate winning the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay SA Sevens, round 3 of the HSBC Sevens World Series – Photo: IRB/Martin Seras Lima

– Blitzbokke win popular victory in Nelson Mandela Bay
– Close NZ’s lead in HSBC Sevens World Series to 2 pts
– Draw made for USA Sevens in Las Vegas, 24-26 Jan 2014

An inspired South Africa came from 14-0 down to fight back and win a popular victory against New Zealand, 17-14, to clinch the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens.

It is the South Africans’ first home Sevens tournament victory since 2008, and their first Cup title at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, a fitting and poignant tribute to the country’s late former President.

– FULL ROUND-UP & REACTION QUOTES >>
– FULL SA SEVENS RESULTS >>

The victory leaves South Africa on 56 points, just two behind the All Blacks Sevens (58) after three rounds of the HSBC Sevens World Series, with Fiji a further eight points back heading into the USA Sevens in January.

Samoa overcame Argentina to take third place and move up to seventh in the overall season standings. Having lost to the Samoans in the Cup quarter-finals, Dubai champions Fiji beat France in the final of the Plate; England rallied to win all three of their games on day two to take the Bowl and Scotland took the Shield.

– HSBC SEVENS WORLD SERIES STANDINGS >>

Pool draw made for round four, USA Sevens

Following the pool draw for round four of the World Series, the USA Sevens on 24-26 January 2014, Port Elizabeth winners South Africa head Pool A in Las Vegas and line up against Kenya, Wales and Canada.

SA runners-up, Series leaders New Zealand, face Fiji, Australia and Scotland in a competitive looking Pool B. Samoa face Portugal, England and Uruguay in Pool C, while Argentina will play France, host nation USA and Spain in Pool D.

USA SEVENS POOLS (PDF) >>