STELLENBOSCH – South Africa crowned the FISU sevens Stellenbosch with gold after a convincing 34–7 victory over Uganda in the men's final at the Danie Craven Stadium.
The FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens was held from 4 to 6 September – the first time South Africa has hosted this world championship. Nearly 200 student athletes from 14 countries took part in the three-day tournament, with 17 teams – nine men's and eight women's teams – competing for the coveted world titles.
The participating nations were South Africa, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, the United States, Argentina, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Chile, Mexico, Norway and Botswana.
South Africa king of university sevens
For the South African men's team, the weekend was the perfect opportunity to follow up on the silver medal from the previous championship in France. The home team did not disappoint.
South Africa completed its group matches undefeated and then moved through the knockout stage with confidence. Victories over Norway and Chile secured the hosts a spot in the semi-final, where Japan was eliminated. In the final, the South Africans capitalised on their chances and ultimately prevailed 34–7.
The match was also historic, as it was the first time two African nations competed for the men's gold in the FISU rugby sevens championship. Uganda had to settle for the silver medal.
Canada outpaces France
In the women's competition, it was Canada that claimed the gold medal. The Canadians defeated France 20–0 in the final to seize the world championship title, while France had to settle for silver against expectations.
The women's competition had a strong international field, including defending champion Japan, Australia, Canada, France, the United States, Ireland, Botswana and host South Africa. Canada's path to the final included a victory over South Africa in the knockout stage. Australia, Japan, Canada and France reached the semi-final.
FISU sevens Stellenbosch builds town's sports reputation
The championship was, however, much more than just a contest for medals. The Danie Craven Stadium, with its rich rugby history and connection to Maties Rugby, was a fitting venue for the tournament. Stellenbosch University is home to around 31 000 students and Maties Rugby's history spans more than 150 years.
For the young players, the weekend moreover provided a valuable opportunity to test their talents against some of the best university sevens players in the world. The championship ultimately delivered what was expected of it: fast rugby, international competition and a celebration of university sport – with South Africa claiming the biggest prize in front of its own supporters.
The tournament coincided with a full South African rugby weekend, in which the Springboks defeated the All Blacks 29–22 to take a 2–1 series lead.
Gold medal winners
- Men: South Africa defeated Uganda 34–7
- Women: Canada defeated France 20–0
Report and photo: Johan Maree – aXn Shots. More photos available from aXn Shots.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
