Record-breaking Blitzboks clinch historic Dubai title

The Blitzboks produced one of their most dominant performances in recent history to thump Ireland 21-5 and win a record fourth straight Cup title at the Dubai Sevens on Saturday.

The result means, South Africa have now won a record fourth consecutive Dubai Sevens title, a sixth in seven attempts dating back to 2016 and a historic 10th overall championship in the desert city.

With this win the South Africans also took the lead in the World Rugby Sevens Series and will be firm favourites to bag the next tournament, to be played in Cape Town next weekend.

It is also Sandile Ngcobo and Philip Snyman’s first Cup title win since taking over the coaching reins from Neil Powell and co. And judging by the celebrations between the two at the final whistle, this was a special maiden championship win.

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Chasing a first-ever Cup title, Ireland had done exceptionally well to reach the final. But in this gold medal match, Ireland simply had no solution to break the Blitzboks’ stranglehold on the contest; they were completely out muscled, out thought and out played in every facet of the game.

This win will be particularly satisfying for the Blitzboks as it serves as the perfect revenge, after Ireland eliminated them from the Sevens World Cup tournament at the quarter-final stage in front of their home crowd in Cape Town in September.

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The Blitzboks made a golden start to the game as Ireland fumbled possession from the first kick off and Shilton van Wyk streaked away to score unopposed. Dominating territory and possession, the South Africans gave a masterclass in composure and supreme ball recycling in the build-up to their second try before Van Wyk showcased his red-hot stepping to run in the touchdown for a 14-point lead.

Things went from bad to worse for the ineffective Irish, as a skip pass was well read on defence by South Africa captain Siviwe Soyizwapi, who stuck out a hand and intercepted the ball to dot down at the other end.

The Blitzboks were up 21-0 at the break and while they didn’t add to their tally in the second half, South Africa continued their utter dominance.

Ireland did manage to cross for a consolation try late in the game, but by then the title had long been sealed by the Blitzboks.

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THE BLITZBOKS BEFORE THE DUBAI FINAL:

The Blitzboks in a huddle before kick off in Dubai Sevens final. Image: Blitzboks/Twitter.