The Vodacom Bulls will go into their Vodacom United Rugby Championship season-opening match against the Emirates Lions with a strong match-day squad which includes three debutants in the starting XV.

New No8, Mihlali Mosi, the only new face in the forwards pack, will make his Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom URC debut when he scrums down alongside captain Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Vermaak to complete the starting loose trio.

Springbok winger, S’bu Nkosi, and fullback, Wandisile Simelane, will also don the Vodacom Bulls’ blue jumper for the first time.

Off the bench, Marco van Staden will make his much-anticipated return for the Vodacom Bulls, making his first appearance in the Vodacom URC alongside tighthead prop cover, Francois Klopper.

All the hard work the Vodacom Bulls have put in over their six-week pre-season period will be put to the test against a strong and determined Emirates Lions side in their own back yard.

“We have had a great six weeks of pre-season training where we have worked on areas we felt we needed to improve on from last season. This has also been a great opportunity for our new recruits to acclimatise in their new environment,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.

“A lot of hard work went into the past few weeks, and we are pleased with where we are ahead of the start of the season. We now have a tough encounter against a strong Emirates Lions team that will want to begin their season campaign on a positive note. Even though we expect a slow start, given that it is the first game of the season, we are looking forward to the lads giving their all to set the tone for the rest of the season.”



The Vodacom Bulls team to face the Emirates Lions on Saturday is:

STARTERS (15-1): Wandisile Simelane (Betway Centurion), Cornal Hendricks (Northam Rhinos), Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria), David Kriel (Tuine), S’bu Nkosi (Harlequin), Chris Smith (Harlequins), Embrose Papier (UP Tuks); Mihlali Mosi (Pretoria), Ruan Vermaak (Harlequins), Marcell Coetzee (CAPT, ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion), Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion), Johan Grobbelaar (UP Tuks), Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle).

IMPACT (16-23): Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Pretoria), Dylan Smith (Tuine), Francois Klopper (UP Tuks), Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria), Marco van Staden (ABE Midas Naka Bulle); Zak Burger (Tuine), Morne Steyn (Tuine), Stedman Gans (Northam Rhinos).



Photo credit: Johan Rynners/Vodacom Bulls

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) National Selection Committee has today named the squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. The 15-player squad and three travelling reserves will also make the trip to India ahead of the tournament for the three-match T20I series later this month.

White-ball captain Temba Bavuma will make his return to the national fold after demonstrating a full recovery from a left elbow injury suffered in the T20I series against India in June.

Rassie van der Dussen has been ruled out of the tournament due to a fracture of his left index finger that he sustained during the second Test against England in Manchester. He will require surgery and is expected to take up to at least six weeks to recover.

All 15 players are capped, with 22-year-old Tristan Stubbs receiving his maiden World Cup call up following an impressive outing in the recent T20I series against England. Other notable selections include Rilee Rossouw and Wayne Parnell, with the selectors naming three travelling reserves in Bjorn Fortuin, Marco Jasen and Andile Phehlukwayo.

All 18 players are available to play in T20I series against India from 28 September – 04 October, while a 15-strong player squad has been named for the proceeding three-match 50-over series.

The squad departs for India on 23 September.

South Africa squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 and T20I series against India
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dwaine Pretorius (North West Dragons), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Gbets Warriors).

Travelling Reserves
Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors) and Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).

South Africa ODI squad against India
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Janneman Malan (Gbets Rocks), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (North West Dragons), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans).

CSA Convenor of Selectors Victor Mpitsang said: “This has been a really tough squad to select, simply because we had so many players in excellent form over the past few months and performing at a level that made the selectors sit up and notice them.

“Someone like Tristan Stubbs who was not in the frame a year ago has done incredibly well to force his way into the mix based on his performances and his selection should be an inspiration for every young player out there. We are also delighted to welcome back our captain Temba Bavuma from injury and we have no doubt his return will further galvanise the team.

“This group of players showed off their brilliant skill and talent when they overcame England in England recently. These sort of performances only bode well for us heading to the World Cup. Overall we are delighted with mix of players that have been chosen and look forward to watching them represent the country in Australia.”

Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe added: “I would like to congratulate all the players who have made the final cut for the World Cup; every single one of them deserve their place on the plane to Australia. The squad covers all bases and provides us with multiple options in every area whether it batting or bowling. I am confident this group will make South Africans proud when they begin their campaign next month.

“Before that we have an important tour to India beginning in the coming weeks and this will provide some valuable game time for Head Coach Mark Boucher and his team to finalise their preparations for the tournament.”

Management
Mark Boucher (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Justin Ontong (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Coach), Rivash Gobind (Performance Analyst), Craig Govender (Physiotherapist), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Lucy Davey (Media Manager), Kyle Botha (Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security).


South Africa Group Stage Itinerary - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022

Monday, 24 October – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Qualifier B1 - Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Thursday, 27 October – 14:00 (05:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Bangladesh – SCG, Sydney

Sunday, 30 October – 19:00 (13:00 SAST)
India vs South Africa – Perth Stadium, Perth

Thursday, 03 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
Pakistan vs South Africa – SCG, Sydney

Sunday, 06 November – 10:30 (02:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Qualifier A2 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Semi-finals

First semi-final
Wednesday, 9 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
TBD vs TBD – SCG, Sydney

Second semi-final
Thursday, 10 November – 18:30 (10:00 SAST)
TBD vs TBD Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Final

Sunday, 13 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
TBD vs TBD – MCG, Melbourne

South Africa Tour to India Itinerary

T20Is
Wednesday, 28 September
India vs South Africa – Thiruvananthapuram

Sunday, 2 October
India vs South Africa – Guwahati

Tuesday, 4 October
India vs South Africa – Indore

ODIs

Thursday, 6 October
India vs South Africa – Ranchi

Sunday, 9 October
India vs South Africa – Lucknow

Tuesday, 11 October
India vs South Africa – Delhi

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Vodacom Bulls have acquired the services of loose-forward, Marco van Staden, who will make a much-anticipated return to Loftus Versfeld.

The spectacular openside flanker is the latest player to join the Vodacom Bulls ahead of the 2022/23 season, signing a two-year contract that will see the 27-year-old remain at Loftus Versfeld until the end of June 2024.

“Eskom”, as he is affectionately known (for putting a few lights out over his career), spent his junior years at the Vodacom Bulls before graduating to the senior team in 2017. In 2021 he signed with English Premiership side, Leicester Tigers.

Van Staden’s sensational performances, intense work rate and physicality on the field saw him earn a national call-up to the Springboks and subsequently earned no less than nine international appearances in the green and gold jersey.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, said: “We are ecstatic to welcome Marco back to Loftus Versfeld. We were gutted to see him go a year ago, but we are pleased to have been able to lure him back ahead of the upcoming season.

“Marco is a phenomenal player who has proven himself over the years. We know what he can bring to the team on and off the field. We are looking forward to him contributing to our cause in a busy 2022/23 season where his experience and talent will prove invaluable.”

Van Staden joins the Vodacom Bulls on the back of recent signings that include S’bu Nkosi, Mihlali Mosi, Phumzile Maqondwana, Wandisile Simelane and Chris Smit.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

With the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens only a few weeks away, rugby fans will be thrilled to hear that the Legendary All Blacks player Dan Carter is coming to South Africa! TR Brand Communications and Events is excited to announce that it will be bringing the rugby superstar and the world’s best fly-half Dan Carter to South Africa this coming September for an unforgettable fan experience in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The New Zealand now former rugby player is set to share a few tips and tricks on his coaching clinics on how rugby players can improve their skills while also sharing some of his greatest insights in the world of rugby. Fans can look forward to an inspiring, entertaining, and educational experience with one of rugby’s ‘Greatest of All Time. Dan Carter is well known by fans and rugby experts as the best fly-half in rugby history and as a three-time World Rugby Player of the Year. The rugby player has played for rugby union clubs such the Crusaders in New Zealand and New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks.

During his time with the All Blacks, Dan Carter won two World Cups in matches in 2011 and 2015, and has also earned himself The Rugby Championship nine times.

About Dan Carter

Daniel William Carter, born 5 March 1982 is a retired New Zealand rugby union player. Dan carter began playing football at the age of five and continued to play throughout his high school and college years.
Carter played for Crusaders -Super Rugby in New Zealand and played for New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks. He is the highest point scorer in test match rugby and is considered by many experts as the greatest ever first five-eighth (fly-half) in the history of the game.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber on Monday named a 34-man squad for the Australian leg of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, with the uncapped Canan Moodie earning a call-up for his first tour in a settled national squad.

Nienaber said the touring squad, which features a good mix of youth and experience, was in line with the standard travelling squad for the Rugby World Cup and he believed that they were the right group of players to achieve what they set out to do in the two Tests against Australia in Adelaide (Saturday, 27 August) and Sydney (Saturday, 3 September).

Nienaber said he would make changes to the squad for the two Tests against Argentina in Buenos Aires and Durban as he looks to give his expanded group of players a chance to prove themselves with an eye on the Rugby World Cup which will be hosted in France next year.

“We have been working with a large group of players for the last few months and we believe this will pay off in the long run as we look to expand our depth for the Rugby World Cup and beyond,” said Nienaber.

“Since we are going on tour, however, we will take a group of players that is more in line with the size of a Rugby World Cup squad, and our thought process is that we will have two groups of players – one who will participate in the Australian leg of the competition and another for the Argentina matches.

“This way we can manage the players as well as possible on tour, while at the same time ensuring we continue to develop our depth and give the players opportunities to prove themselves with a little over a year to go before the Rugby World Cup kicks off.”

Moodie, who was called up to the squad as utility back cover following the suspension handed to wing Kurt-Lee Arendse for a dangerous tackle, is the only uncapped player in the group and will travel with the Springboks for the first time, providing cover at wing and fullback. His presence also fills the void left by Cheslin Kolbe, who is on the road to recovery from a broken jaw, which will see him only return for the last Test against Argentina.

With Bongi Mbonambi (hooker) ruled out for four weeks after suffering a knee injury at training last week, Deon Fourie will serve as back-up to Malcolm Marx and Joseph Dweba, while Damian Willemse’s versatility in the backline will see provide cover at flyhalf, centre and fullback.

“Bongi has been ruled out for four weeks, but Deon, who is an experienced hooker and flank, has been practicing his lineout throws with us, so we are confident that he will be able to fill that void for us in these matches,” said Nienaber.

“We are also excited to see how Canan slots in during the next few weeks and to see how he adapts to our structures and systems, and we believe he has the skills to slot in for Kurt-Lee and Cheslin.

“This is a settled group of players and includes a wide spread of experience and young players who have made their presence felt, and we believe that they have what it takes to guide us back on track in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship in the matches against Australia.”

The Springboks are currently on a short break and will depart on Thursday for the tour to Australia and Argentina.

“We are bitterly disappointed about the defeat against New Zealand last weekend, and we know that we have to be at our best to fight back in the next four matches of the competition to keep us in contention to win the tournament,” said Nienaber.

“We saw what Australia are capable at home last year and we know that we will be tested thoroughly.

“The last time we beat the Wallabies in Australia was in 2013, so we have a big mountain to climb over there, but that said, we have looked at our game against New Zealand and we know what areas we need to improve on, and we will put in the hard work on the field to iron out those aspects when we arrive in Australia.

“It is going to be a tough tour, but we know what our players are capable of, and we are determined to make our nation proud.”

Springbok touring squad:
Props
Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers)
Vincent Koch (Wasps)
Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers)
Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks)
Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92)

Hookers
Joseph Dweba (DHL Stormers)
Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)

Locks
Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks)
Lood de Jager (Wild Knights)
Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers)

Loose forwards
Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz)
Siya Kolisi (Cell C Sharks)
Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls)
Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs)
Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers)
Duane Vermeulen (Ulster)

Utility forwards
Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers)
Franco Mostert (Honda Heat)

Scrumhalves
Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles)
Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks)
Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers)
Cobus Reinach (Montpellier)

Flyhalves
Elton Jantjies (NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes)
Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)

Midfielders
Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks)
Damian de Allende (Wild Knights)
Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins)

Outside backs
Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks)
Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz)
Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls)
Warrick Gelant (Racing 92)

Utility Backs
Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers)
Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)
Frans Steyn (Toyota Cheetahs)





[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Algorithm Soccer Oracle is the application created thanks to Italian soccer prosecutor Alessio Sundas, which using an algorithm, has the ability to measure the qualities and strength of a player in a scientific and objective way.

Once purchased by clubs or the individual, on an average of only 6 matches, of which a video of the 90 minutes played will be uploaded, "KPI" data can be collected, and produce a certified average score.


The system offers cutting-edge technology, because through a simple button crosses, dribbles, offensive duels, shots on target, saves and distance, shots blocked and rejected, but also exits the goal line , long passage or pass completed are tracked.

The score from a scale of 1a 1000 and Clubs will be grouped based on their score. Up to 250 points, bronze clubs can aim for divisions 5 and 4, from 250 to 500, silver clubs can aim division 3 from 500 to 750, gold clubs can aim to medium divisions 2 and 1, above 750 to 1000 points, platinum clubs are only Top Clubs.

For the single player, you have a list of many characteristics and criteria you can score the player on and the algorithm will analyze the data you entered and give you a score from 1 to 1000 for the player.


A long list of advantages ensues such as, less auditions and selections of young players, knowing exactly what to work on to improve performance, facilitation for intermediaries to transfer a young footballer, valorization of the technical sheet for collages and universities.

The Algorithm Soccer Oracle has already exploded in Brazil, Argentina and Honduras. Amabassor of the algorithm in Argentina is Guillermo Szeszurak, deputy and friend of Diego Armando Maradona, and currently Uefa B coach, now a promoter of the use of the application for all Argentine players.
But among the names that have benefited from AGSM for market negotiations are many.

For example, Brazilian Luca Limas, class of '90, who after wearing the Palmeiras jersey, thanks to Alessio Sundas has entered the sights of Inter Miami, the U.S. MLS club that belongs to former player David Beckham. Also in Brazil, Andrea Alves da Silva, who now plays for SERIEA club ASROMA under the management of Alessio Sundas, but also the case of Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi, who on the field at the World Cup in Russia scored against England, and Sundas has dealt with Napoli, Juventus, Milan, Lazio, Roma, Torino, Fiorentina, Udinese, Atalanta, Frosinone, and other clubs in Europe.
And to go into the youth ranks, 16-year-old Mattia Vaccaro, who has been noticed by clubs com Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG.

This system makes sure that each player is motivated to work on his score through his performance, and that the club has concrete numerical data on the qualities of the player.

A revolution adopted by the U.S. soccer system, would not only open the doors for countless athletes to enter college, but by making the scouting work less strenuous. It makes it easier for intermediaries to transfer players from one team to another, and keeps track of blossoming talents that could easily make it to Europe to compete in the world's most famous Leagues.

[Submitted by Lavinia Colasanto]

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https://apps.apple.com/us/app/algorithm-soccer-oracle-asm/id1635809889

Grambling State University's former quarterback and Super bowl XXII's MVP, Doug Williams and the University of Texas' first African American quarterback (1977) Donnie Little discusses the intricacies of being role-models that just happens to be athletes and "Black" quarterbacks during a period of our American history that thrusted the two of them into two very different but similar situations.

When the two words; "Black" and "Quarterback" weren't designed nor were they popular to be mentioned, nor exist in the same sentence.

Doug address his many challenges; threatening and unflattering mail, verbal assaults, disparaging "fan" comments, and an unexhaustive list of lunacy that incessantly reared its head daily.

Donnie speaks of the emphatic influence and impression that Doug made on his life as it assisted him in his preparation to perfect his craft at the quarterback position thus becoming the University of Texas' first African American quarterback that was recruited as a quarterback.

Donnie went on to shine as the University of Texas' quarterback and lead them at one period to the number one ranked team in the country while having to endure
the "N" words from his own "fans", attacks by local sports columnist and others.
[Submitted by MELVIN LARS]

---

https://youtu.be/VztfFZ8l-D8

Tabraiz Shamsi headed an incredible bowling performance by the Proteas by bagging a career-best five-for as they claimed a crushing 90-run victory over England in the third T20 International at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Sunday.

The result ensured South Africa claimed the series in the process with a 2-1 overall triumph.

And they were full value for the win, the margin of which was their biggest over the home side in T20Is.

Spinner Shamsi was the undoubted star with the ball, finishing with supreme figures of five for 24 to help bundle out the hosts for a poor 101 in pursuit of 192.

His return, which beat the previous best figures of four for 25 against Pakistan in Lahore, was one of an overall brilliant display by the Proteas in the field where the bowlers were at their best and the fielding electrifying.

Earlier in the day the in-form Reeza Hendricks, named Player of the Series afterwards, and Aiden Markram starred with the bat by propelling the tourists to 191 for five after they lost the toss and were put in to bat.

It was Hendricks' third successive half century after scores of 57 and 53 in matches one and two. Here he went even better by blasting 70 off 50 balls (9 fours) as the South Africans recovered from losing Quinton de Kock for a third-ball duck to reach 55 for one in the seventh over.

That was when Rilee Rossouw departed for 31, before Markram (51 not out off 36 balls, 5 fours) and Hendricks added 87 for the third wicket to give their side a fine platform for the finish.

The former completed his 10th career 50 in the process and the latter his seventh, with captain David Miller celebrating his 100th cap for South Africa by helping to add the finishing touches with 22 off nine balls.

England made a strong enough start to the reply with 28 coming inside the first four overs, before Keshav Maharaj (2/21) removed Jos Buttler (14).

But things then unraveled quickly thanks to the brilliance of the South Africans in the field.

The out-of-sorts Jason Roy (17) edged Anrich Nortje (1/12) behind to Quinton de Kock, with Dawid Malan (7), Moeen Ali (3) and Liam Livingstone (3) all falling during a spell of more than seven overs when there were no boundaries struck.

Moeen's dismissal off Markram (1/5) came on account of a brilliant one-handed diving catch by Tristan Stubbs, which tipified the excellence of the Proteas.

Andile Phehlukwayo (1/23) was the other wicket-taker for his side and then Player of the Match Shamsi mopped up the tail leaving England all out in 16.4 overs.

Proteas T20I squad against England
David Miller (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (North West Dragons), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Gbets Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions).

South Africa T20I Tour to England Itinerary

Wednesday, 27 July - 18:30
England beat South Africa by 41 runs – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

Thursday, 28 July - 18:30
England lost to South Africa by 58 runs – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Sunday, 31 July - 14:30
England lost to South Africa by 90 runs – Ageas Bowl, Hampshire


[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series returns to Jozi in September and in celebration event organizer, Stillwater Sports, is excited to launch the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Ambassador Search Campaign. “We are looking for the runner that brings the gees. Someone that enjoys being outdoors, lives life to the fullest, loves the sport of road running and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports, and founder of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series. Seen here: Mbali Mashaba and Ntokozo Ngcobo joined the #RYCStrideTribe in July as the winners of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K Ambassador Search Campaign.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Springbok Sevens team won the gold medal at the Rugby Sevens event of the Commonwealth Games when they produced a brilliant performance to defeat Fiji 31-7 in a pulsating Final on Sunday evening in Birmingham, where New Zealand claimed bronze.

The SA Women’s Sevens team comfortably beat Sri Lanka by 52-0 to conclude the tournament on a high, finishing in seventh position, which is one spot better than in 2018 in Australia and made Paul Delport (coach) smile as he knew his inexperienced squad were facing a massive task in England.

Meanwhile, the Blitzboks played the final without the dynamic playmaker Ronald Brown, who was injured in the semi-final win over Australia earlier in the day, while regular skipper Siviwe Soyizwapi was also out injured and didn’t play at all on Sunday.

Zain Davids, who took over the captaincy, said: “I have a little bit of mixed emotions at the moment, but mostly I’m happy as we came out here and gave our all, and I think we can be very happy with our performance against a great team like Fiji.

“When ‘Shakes’ got injured, I had to take over the captaincy and I was happy to do that, because I know the guys support me, but I also knew that in this team you don’t really have to be a captain as you have a bunch of guys behind you that’s helping and supporting you.”

The South African men’s side made a great start to the final and scored three well-worked tries in the opening half while keeping the dangerous Fijian runners in check with excellent tackling and great counter-attacking play.

They deservingly led 17-0 at the break in the Coventry Stadium, while in the second half they combined their heroic defensive effort with equally great finishing performances. Muller du Plessis opened the scoring from a pinpoint Selvyn Davids cross-kick, an early sign of things to come.

JC Pretorius scored the second in the same corner after a sustained passage of attacking play, with South Africa looking well after the ball in contact. That put them 12-0 ahead.

Shaun Williams scored the third try as the menacing Pretorius stole another crucial turnover to put the little speedster away, the try handing South Africa a 17-0 half-time advantage.

After the break, Du Plessis then ran in for his second off an excellent cut-out pass from Selvyn Davids. Williams nailed the angled conversion to stretch the lead to 24-0 and left Fiji with a mountain to climb.

Fiji eventually got on the scoreboard when Nacuqu went over for converted try to reduce the deficit to 27-7.

But the Blitzboks were not to be denied. Mfundo Ndhlovu scored the final try with seconds remaining to seal a brilliant gold medal performance, denying Fiji the remaining major title that have escaped them at previous Commonwealth Games.

South Africa also won the gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games staged in Glasgow.

Scorers:

South Africa 31 (17) – Tries: Muller du Plessis (2), JC Pretorius, Shaun Williams, Mfundo Ndhlovu. Conversion: Shaun Williams (2), Dewald Human.

Fiji 7 (0) – Try: Waisea Nacuqu. Conversion: Nacuqu.

The Springbok Sevens team qualified for the gold medal match by defeating Australia 24-12 on Sunday afternoon, with Angelo Davids scoring his third hat-trick of the Commonwealth Games as the South Africans recovered from an early 5-0 deficit to gain a comfortable victory.

The two teams went into the lead locked even at 12-12 after an entertaining first half but South Africa pulled away in the second half to book their spot in the grand finale.

Australia drew first blood when Mark Nawaqanitawase powered through to put the Aussies 5-0 ahead, but Angelo Davids then continued his prolific try-scoring form in Birmingham with his eighth try following a clever grubber from playmaker Selvyn Davids, with Ronald Brown’s conversion putting SA 7-5 ahead.

But the Aussies hit back immediately with a clever attack which saw Matthew Gonzalez go in under the posts to regain the lead at 12-7. However, there was just enough time before halftime for Angeloa Davids to score his second of the half, from a lineout set play, to draw the teams level at the break.

After the restart, Selvyn Davids charged down a kick and collected the loose ball to score in the corner, with a brilliant conversion edging SA ahead by 19-12.

Angelo Davids bagged his third try when the flyer scored out wide from a well-worked move. SA was now in control at 24-12 and all they needed to do was to manage out time until the final whistle.

Scorers:

South Africa 24 (12) – Tries: Angelo Davids (3), Selvyn Davids. Conversions: Ronald Brown, Selvyn Davids.

Australia 12 (12) – Tries: Mark Nawaqanitawase, Matthew Gonzales. Conversion: Dietrich Roache.




[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]