I didn't see this one coming. I don't necessarily follow Sevens Rugby (SVNS). However, I am aware of the powerhouses of this form of rugby. These include: New Zealand; Australia; France; England; Ireland; United States; Kenya, Fiji and, of course, the Blitzbokke (South Africa).
Over the years, It looked like it was either a two horse or three horse race between the Blitzbokke, New Zealand and Fiji for the ultimate prize of being crowned SVNS champions. However, it has become clear that any team can win the whole shabang nowadays. This aspect is nice as it invites others to win it and not seeing the usual win the whole thing.
This season has been troublesome for the Blitzbokke. They won the first tournament but has soon suffered terrible fortunes. They arrived in Cape Town but had a shocker. They suffered three defeats and were whipped 31-7 by New Zealand for a fifth place finish. A consolation for the Blitzbokke is that they struggle in their home tournaments as their last win came in 2015. Things didn't get any better yet it didn't get worse in the next tournament. It was at a standstill when it came to Perth, Australia. They defeated France 24-5 to claim the same place. Their Cup quater-final defeat to Fiji (14-12) could've been a victory on another day. It was a dreadful trip to Canada. They left Vancouver with a ninth place finish.
This past weekend's tournament in Los Angeles was a rock bottom moment, to yours truly that is. They left America with an 11th place finish. This placement is appalling. It was at this point that the coach, Sandile Ngcobo, admitted that they keep on shooting themselves in the foot and their performances are a result of lack of discipline and basics.
After 5 tournaments, South Africa are in 7th place and on 48 points. There are two tournaments left: Hong Kong and Singapore. Placements are important for the "Winner take all" Grand Final in Madrid.
Under the new model, the countries that finish in the top eight of the SVSN series log, will participate in the Grand Final. Finish lower than eighth and participation in the relegation play-off competition will be your route in Madrid.
I'm a bit worried about the Blitzbokke. Unless they straighten up, I can foresee us playing relegation rugby soon. We might get lucky and finish in the top eight but even then it will be a heavy order. South Africa will have to contend with the powerhouses I alluded to in the beginning of this post. I can only hope for the best for them.
Good luck/sterke/ngikufisela inhlanhla/mahlohonolo/umnqweno omhle/
ke o lakaletsa mohlohonolo/ngikufisela inhlanhla enhle/inhlanhla lenhle/mashudu mavhuya/Ndzi ku navelela mikateko Blitzbokke!