The KwaZulu-Natal u18 team has beaten SWD 26-19 in the quarterfinals of the competition today. KZN now plays the Valke in the semifinals at 14h00 today. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport 6 (ch.206).
Tweet from coach @RynoJCombrinck yesterday:
What a day, KZN vs Boland 19 19 Bulls 14 19 Border 61 5. So we in Cup Competition, SWD nest up in Quarter. At least curve is on the up.
The KZN team got off to a poor start yesterday, making a few basic errors and not playing true 7’s style rugby against Boland (19-19), The subs bench was also not employed effectively in the opening game. The team showed improvement in the Bulls game (14-19), with the Bulls seemingly getting the last try to clinch it. The final pool game was the most pleasing of the lot, with the boys really playing to their true potential and showing good understanding of 7’s rugby tactics and techniques in a 61-5 drubbing of Border. They advanced to the Cup quarterfinals, which is the main event finishing second in their pool behind the Bulls. Although they were level with Boland with a win and a draw each, KZN’s superior points difference was enough to secure second place.
Also spare a thought for the Border players. Things could be better under the umbrella of that Union. Earlier this year, schoolboys were unfairly overlooked for Craven Week for signing contracts with other Unions and now this:
Ryno Combrinck
@RynoJCombrinckFor anybody who cares; Both Border 7’s teams did not get a cent from their Union. Coaches and parents bought food and kit. ITs A DISGRACE!!!
Latest update:
Bowl quarterfinals : Boland 33 EP 26, Border 14 Leopards 12, Pumas 40 Border CD 5, Griquas 29 Griffons 12
@PlayFlair:
I felt that Nkosi played quite well and tried to get his teammates into the game instead of always going at it by himself. He did himself a great service. But yes some were very aware of that fact . Sad indeed for a talented kid.
EW Viljoen from Free State is a good prospect. I really rate him!
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Watched the games (TV) on Saturday and was pretty impressed considering that the other Unions have proper circuts. I believe four injuries in the last two matches drained the boys and in 7’s its critical at the busness end of tournament i.e. lack of fresh subs. Got the feeling some individuals were ‘very’ aware (sadly) that the matches were telivised i.e. your point on desicion making. Great try by Nicholson Day
@Gungets Tuft:
And KZN throw away a big lead in the 3/4th place playoff! Good stuff though!
2nd and 4th aint bad!
Yep, both sides looked like they were playing 15 man rugby. From what I can gather from a mate who is in Pretoria, the three best sides were/are WP, OFS and Bulls. The Bulls apparently threw it away against Valke who then had to play KZN. Seems strange when Bulls and KZN were from the same pool. He said the other semi should have been the final. WP vs OFS. You never know in 7’s though. Bit like 20/20 cricket.
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Even the last try from the Valke was just poor work, sadly. Cannot take on your man at 7’s when you do not have support, and the support just did not run into the contact area. Game was there for the taking .. Nic epressure kick frmo Anderson (was it) on that last try.
@HORSEFLY NO.1: Disappointing end for KZN. The last move looked promising but the boys were tired. Perhaps they should have tried to keep ball in hand and not gone for the dab ahead.
And the Valke win 21-21 :sad:
Bad decision making by natal
Excellent stuff from our 7s team. Have to watch this one at 14h00 now. :razz: