South Africa Sevens won a fine match against Wales Sevens to take the Plate trophy and eight points for the IRB World Sevens Series. Vuyo Zangqa and MJ Mentz went over for early tries for the Boks before James Harris pulled one back for Wales Sevens, but Mpho Mbiyozo’s score just before half time gave Paul Treu’s men a 19-5 lead at the break.
WRU Audio: Edwards reflects on defeat to South Africa Sevens in the Plate Final
Wales Sevens then piled on the pressure in the second half but South Africa Sevens’ defence stood firm and James Lewis’s late try was nothing more than consolation for Wales Sevens, the Boks winning 19-12.
“South Africa are always a tough side, they have proved that over the years,? said Wales Sevens skipper Johnathan Edwards. “It a fantastic to play in front of 34,000 screaming fans. It?s a fantastic atmosphere and we?ve enjoyed the occasion.?
Tal Selley earlier scored one try and had a hand in much of Wales Sevens’ best work in their 24-12 win over the Scots before Fabian Juries and Juan de Jongh inspired the Boks to a rare win against Fiji Sevens. Earlier in the day New Zealand Sevens, the eventual Cup winners, thrashed Wales Sevens 40-5 in the Cup quarter-final to send the Dragons into the Plate competition.
Edwards admitted his side had to learn from their experiences in Wellington ahead of the next round of the IRB World Sevens Series in San Diego next weekend.
“We?ve learnt a lot of hard lessons,? he said. ?We slipped up against New Zealand and Fiji and know we have to keep hold of the ball in the second half of games. These teams will crucify you if you make mistakes. When we played the likes of England and Scotland we showed if we play keep ball we can get results.?
