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• South Africa crowned 2009 champions

IRB Sevens World Series leaders South Africa today successfully defended their International Rugby Sevens Adelaide crown.

In an historic all-African final at Adelaide Oval, the 2008 champions went back-to-back with a 26-7 victory over a plucky Kenya that had, for the first time, advanced to a Cup decider in an IRB Sevens World Series event.

A healthy finals day crowd, having witnessed home nation Australia go down in extra time to England in the Plate final, was enthralled by the tournament finale which had South Africa leading only 14-7, two tries to one, at the break,

Robert Ebersohn gave South Africa an early lead, scoring their first try after just 28 seconds, with Renfred Dazel converting for a 7-0 advantage.

Close to the six minute mark Kenya hit back with a try to Humphrey Kayange and a conversion to Lavin Asego.

However, shortly before half time, Vuyo Zangqu added a further try for South Africa and Dazel landed his second conversion to restore for South Africa the seven point buffer.

South Africa collected a crucial third try with only two minutes remaining through speedster Ryno Benjamin, who rounded two defenders on the outside in a dash to the right hand corner.

A further try inside the final minute to Dazel, and the conversion to follow, sealed the final winning margin of 19 points.

“It is a good feeling because the guys were really heartbroken last night when we lost our last pool match against Kenya. I think they wanted to make up for it today,” Paul Treu, the South African coach said.

“Credit to Kenya. They played their first IRB final and are improving and they deserve to be in the final,” Treu added.

As a result of this win, South Africa maintain top position on the IRB Sevens World Series standings. They have a 28 point lead over second placed England.

In other finals action, England narrowly defeated Australia 24-19 in the final of the Plate competition.

“I was happy with the side’s commitment,” said Australian coach Michael O’Connor. “The game is all about ticker. We’ve got a group of guys here who won’t give up.

“Their execution and decision making at times may not be spot on but I really think they came back strongly in that second half against England. They put themselves into a situation where they could have won it.”

Samoa triumphed 35-14 over France in the Bowl final and the USA clinched a 24-21 victory over Scotland in the Shield final.

Mpho Mbiyozo of South Africa was named player of the tournament.

“It has been a very successful weekend,” said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill. “Overall the atmosphere was fantastic.”

Despite redevelopment work at Adelaide Oval, more than 28,000 fans attended the 2009 International Rugby Sevens Adelaide.

Finals Day results: 

Final pool standings

The Australian Rugby Sevens program is proudly supported by the Australian Institute of Sport