Go on, admit it. You feared, like me, that without Seabelo Senatla and Kwagga Smith, Las Vegas would be a bridge too far for the BlitzBoks.
Certainly, during the tournament, they started almost every game on the back foot. It became a regular feature that they concede the first try. But they were soon back to their best in each game or even to an improved level from what we have seen so far.
Did you see the tackling? The SA defence has improved even further this season and all the players seem to relish making tackles and/or rucking and bridging to turn over possession or retain it.
It wasn’t mindless Kamikaze stuff, either. It was skill, strength and commitment and in Siviwe Soyizwapi, we have a flyer to almost replace Senatla.
Four tournament wins out of five is a fantastic achievement, especially as some countries are putting more and more effort and resources into Sevens.
It is quite simple. We match them all in terms of physical effort, even if we are nowhere near them in size, and then we outsmart and out-skill them, and it is fabulous to watch.
At halftime during the USA game, the cameras and mikes zoomed into the American huddle. They captured the gist of coach Mike Friday’s talk. In fact, it wasn’t a talk, but an old-style rant in the manner of old style coaches.
I hated it, but maybe that is still the American way. The Englishman barked at the players and the message was clear: “Do not attempt any offloads, tie up the South Africans physically, work your way up the field and give them no space.” That is, it would appear, the American way to beat us. It was so negative.
I thought of how we have become to Sevens what the All Blacks are to the 15-man game. They innovate and expand the game and play at ever increasing pace. They set the standard and to an extent, rule the world.
Ireland have just beaten them for the first time, and that is the single greatest moment in Irish rugby. Scotland still have to do so, and Wales haven’t done so since 1953. We used to lead the series against New Zealand, but are now far behind.
Super Rugby is a microcosm of international rugby and the Kiwi teams are also way ahead. How do we approach contests against New Zealand sides? Do we emulate the USA Sevens side against us and try to strangle and outmuscle the All Blacks?
Or do we emulate our own Sevens side and set standards of fitness, discipline, skill and mental agility that allow us to close the gap, and to ultimately take the place as world leaders from them?
I know which I would prefer, but it requires a massive effort and co-operation at all levels.
I wonder, do our rugby czars talk to Neil Powell? They should.
Meanwhile, two observations from the cricket Test in Dunedin and one from soccer.
First, Hashim Amla’s slip catch on Thursday must be one of the greatest. Maharaj bowled the first ball of his spell, Nicholls got an edge and the ball flew fast and wide.
It felt like a certain boundary, but Amla, with the relaxed reflex of a viper, pounced and somehow got his fingers under the ball and rolled to prevent his elbow striking the ground. The catch stuck and the commentators couldn’t believe it. Well done, Hash.
Second, speaking of commentators, kudos to Simon Doull and Kepler Wessels.
It was near the end of play on Thursday and New Zealand were doing well. Philander was bowling to Williamson when the commentators realised the ball was starting to reverse.
It was a maiden over – normally not the most exciting thing in cricket, but our two broadcasters made it so. They explained the physics of reverse; in conjunction with cameramen and director, they focused on the ball in the bowler’s hand and confidently predicted which way the ball would swing. They were correct.
They then speculated when Vernon would change the grip to spring the trap with a ball that swung the other way. They explained how Williamson knew exactly what was going on and the challenge he had in reading the ball and the bowler’s mind.
It was relaxed and informative, but they gave the ordinary viewer a rare insight into a seminal moment in Test cricket. So often we just get an obvious description of what we can all see.
Finally, nice to see a national soccer side play with skill, pride and determination and qualify for a World Cup. How many of that Under-20 side will go on to play for Bafana? In an ideal soccer set-up, most will. We shall see.
* Robbie is a former British Lions, Ireland and Transvaal scrumhalf