Yesterday, December 10th 2023, beautiful Cape Town, South Africa, hosted the final day of the second leg of the HSBC Sevens Series Rugby in perfect weather. All the Men's and Women's teams played quarterfinals, semis and finals rugby matches on Sunday in front of a boisterous rugby-mad crowd.
Australia won the Women's competition by beating France in a closely contested final. They also previously won the first round of the Series in Dubai and are now firmly at the top of the Sevens rankings.
In the Men's, Argentina's rugby sevens team earned a thrilling victory in the Sevens Series tournament, marking their first-ever win on South African soil. The tournament saw them face off against some of the world's best teams, including the Australian Men's team in the final. In a nail-biting match, Argentina emerged victorious with a score of 26-19. This win not only secured Argentina's first-ever Cape Town title but also propelled them to the top of the HSBC Sevens series rankings, ahead of hosts, the Springboks. (The Springboks recently won the Men's 15-a-side World Cup in France, the traditional form of the game).
The Pumas victory was particularly special for veteran player Gastón Revol, who played in his 100th tournament during the Cape Town leg. Additionally, German Schulz etched his name in history by scoring his 100th international sevens try for Argentina. These milestones added to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the team's success.
Argentina's performance throughout the tournament was impressive. They demonstrated their trademark attacking flair and defensive prowess, showcasing their ability to compete against the best in the world. This victory marks a turning point for Argentine rugby sevens and serves as a testament to the team's growing prowess at the Olympic version of the sport.
With their Cape Town triumph, Argentina has established itself as a major force in the world of rugby sevens. The team's recent successes have generated significant excitement and optimism among fans and players alike. Looking ahead, Argentina will be aiming to maintain its momentum and build upon its recent achievements. Irrespective of how the rest of the Series goes, this team certainly is in a good spot to challenge for a podium finish at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris next year.
(note: Rugby Sevens comes to Los Angeles on March 2nd-3rd, 2024; more info and tickets here: HSBC SVNS Series | Official Website)
