Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens 13-14 December 2014 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series Content Message from the Coach HSBC Sevens World Series Schedule Springbok Sevens Brief history Tournament information Port Elizabeth Springbok Sevens Player Profiles Springbok Sevens Management Profiles 1 P a g e
Message from the Springbok Sevens coach Last week I told the players that we would have to improve on our performance at the Gold Coast, and I am glad the players responded to the challenge. Actually, as a group we were not entirely satisfied with our play on day one in Dubai. We qualified for the knockout stages with the knowledge that we could still play much better. That is why I am so satisfied with our overall performance on match day two and the manner in which we managed to win the tournament in Dubai. During the warm up drills on Saturday I could sense the players were in a very determined mood, and they carried that mentality into the first match against Argentina. We took our chances and were clinical in our execution, which brought us the desired results against Argentina, New Zealand and also Australia in the Cup final. Dubai is a lovely fast surface which suits us, I think, but the players deserve credit for buying into our game plan. We varied our play beautifully and it was great to see how especially the place who came off the bench played their part. They never allowed the intensity to drop and in fact, were responsible for lifting our game, which allowed us to win comfortably in the end. We received a typically warm and South African welcome on our arrival in PE on Monday evening and the entire squad and players are so much looking forward to playing in front of our home fans again. All of us fully realise that this is the only opportunity for us to play at home and for the supporters to see us in action against top-class opposition over two days. SARU and the organising partners do a fantastic job each year to promote and stage a world-class event. We know that people are expecting us to do well. We are fully mindful of that responsibility and we will use that as a positive motivating factor. Neil Powell Springbok Sevens coach. 2 P a g e
HSBC Sevens World Series Schedule 2014/15 Australia: Gold Coast Sevens 11/12 October 2014 (Winners: Fiji) United Arab Emirates: Dubai Sevens 5/6 December 2014 (Winners: South Africa) South Africa: Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens 13/14 December 2014 (Defending Champions: South Africa) New Zealand: Wellington Sevens 6/7 February 2015 (Defending Champions: New Zealand) USA: Las Vegas Sevens 13/15 February 2015 (Defending Champions: South Africa) Hong Kong: Hong Kong Sevens 27/29 March 2015 (Defending Champions: New Zealand) Japan: Tokyo Sevens 4/5 April 2015(Defending Champions: Fiji) Scotland: Glasgow Sevens 9/10 May 2015 (Defending Champions: New Zealand) England: London Sevens 16/17 May 2015 (Defending Champions: New Zealand) Springbok Sevens HSBC Sevens World Series history 1999/2000: Fifth 80 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2000/2001: Fifth 82 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2001/2002: Second 136 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2002/2003: Fourth 82 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2003/2004: Fifth 74 points (overall winner: New Zealand) (see Note) 2004/2005: Fourth 76 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2005/2006: Third 110 points (overall winner: Fiji) 2006/2007: Fourth 94 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2007/2008: Second 106 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2008/2009: First 132 points (second: New Zealand) 2009/2010: Sixth 80 points (overall winner: Samoa) 2010/2011: Second 140 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 3 P a g e
2011/2012: Fifth - 125 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2012/2013: Second - 132 points (overall winner: New Zealand) 2013/2014: Second - 152 points (overall winner: New Zealand) Tournament victories (20) Wellington, 2002 Cardiff, 2003 Dubai, 2003* Singapore, 2004 London, 2005 Paris, 2006 Dubai, 2006 Adelaide, 2008 Dubai, 2008 George, 2008 Adelaide, 2009 Las Vegas, 2011 London, 2011 Edinburgh, 2011 Las Vegas 2013 Japan 2013 Glasgow 2013 Port Elizabeth 2013 Las Vegas 2014 Dubai 2014 *Note: In the 2003/04-season, the Springbok Sevens team won the tournament in Dubai, but the log points earned in Dubai and George (losing semi-finalists) were later subtracted because of a playereligibility issue. Commonwealth Games Gold Medal winners 2014 4 P a g e
Tournament information Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens 13-14 December 2014 Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium City: Port Elizabeth Capacity: 48,459 @SouthAfrica7s Event Information Host union SARU Event website: www.sarugby.co.za Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nmbsa7 Twitter: @SouthAfrica7s General enquiries Steven Roos Tel: +27 21 9287000 Email: steven@sarugby.co.za Tickets: Computicket Media enquiries Rayaan Adriaanse +27829990022 Email: rayaan@sarugby.co.za Cell C NELSON MANDELA BAY SEVENS TOURNAMENT 13 & 14 DECEMBER 2014- PORT ELIZABETH POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D South Africa Australia Fiji New Zealand Wales Argentina Scotland England USA Portugal France Samoa Kenya Zimbabwe Canada Japan 5 P a g e
Springbok Sevens Head to Head: USA (12h42) Played: 29, won 27 Average score 27-7 Last match: USA won 22-5 (in London 12 May 2013) Kenya (15h58) Played: 38, won 33 Average score 27-9 Last match: won 45-0 (in Gold Coast 11 Oct 2014) Wales (19h58) Played: 37, won 36 Average score 26-9 Last match: won 12-5 (in Dubai 05 Dec 2014 12) Match schedule: Saturday, 13 th December 2014 Match No Pool Draw Fixture Duration KO Time Match 1 C C1 v C3 Fiji v France 22 minutes 10h30 Match 2 C C2 v C4 Scotland v Canada 22 minutes 10h52 Match 3 B B1 v B3 Australia v Portugal 22 minutes 11h14 Match 4 B B2 v B4 Argentina v Zimbabwe 22 minutes 11h36 Match 5 D D1 v D3 New Zealand v Samoa 22 minutes 11h58 Match 6 D D2 v D4 England v Japan 22 minutes 12h20 Match 7 A A1 v A3 South Africa v USA 22 minutes 12h42 Match 8 A A2 vs A4 Wales v Kenya 22 minutes 13h04 Entertainment (1 st Project) 20 minutes 13h26 Match 9 C C1 v C4 Fiji v Canada 22 minutes 13h46 Match 10 C C2 v C3 Scotland v France 22 minutes 14h08 Match 11 B B1 v B4 Australia v Zimbabwe 22 minutes 14h30 Match 12 B B2 v B3 Argentina v Portugal 22 minutes 14h52 Match 13 D D1 v D4 New Zealand v Japan 22 minutes 15h14 Match 14 D D2 v D3 England vs Samoa 22 minutes 15h36 Match 15 A A1 v A4 South Africa vs Kenya 22 minutes 15h58 Match 16 A A2 v A3 Wales v USA 22 minutes 16h20 Entertainment Jimmy Nevis 1 st act 20 minutes 16h42 6 P a g e
Match 17 C C3 v C4 France v Canada 22 minutes 17h04 Match 18 C C1 v C2 Fiji v Scotland 22 minutes 17h26 Match 19 B B3 v B4 Portugal v Zimbabwe 22 minutes 17h48 Match 20 B B1 v B2 Australia v Argentina 22 minutes 18h10 Entertainment Jimmy Nevis 2 nd act 20 minutes 18h32 Match 21 D D3 v D4 Samoa v Japan 22 minutes 18h52 Match 22 D D1 v D2 New Zealand v England 22 minutes 19h14 Match 23 A A3 v A4 USA v Kenya 22 Minutes 19h36 Match 24 A A1 vs A2 South Africa v Wales 22 minutes 19h58 End 20h20 Sunday, 14 th December 2014 Match No Pool Fixture Duration KO Time Match 25 Bowl QF 1/4 finals Bowl 3 rd Pool A v 4th Pool D 22 minutes 10h51 Match 26 Bowl QF 1/4 finals Bowl 3 rd Pool C v 4th Pool B 22 minutes 11h13 Match 27 Bowl QF 1/4 finals Bowl 3 rd Pool D v 4th Pool A 22 minutes 11h35 Match 28 Bowl QF 1/4 finals Bowl 3 rd Pool B v 4th Pool C 22 minutes 11h57 Match 29 Cup QF 1/4 finals Cup 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool D 22 minutes 12h19 Match 30 Cup QF 1/4 finals Cup 1st Pool C v 2nd Pool B 22 minutes 12h41 Match 31 Cup QF 1/4 finals Cup 1st Pool D v 2nd Pool A 22 minutes 13h03 Match 32 Cup QF 1/4 finals Cup 1st Pool B v 2nd Pool C 22 minutes 13h25 Entertainment D J Fresh / Aggreko Dancing Girls 20 Minutes 13h47 Match 33 Shield SF SF Shield Loser Match 25 v Loser Match 26 22 minutes 14h07 Match 34 Shield SF SF Shield Loser Match 27 v Loser Match 28 22 minutes 14h29 Match 35 Bowl SF SF Bowl Winner Match 25 v Winner Match 26 22 minutes 14h51 Match 36 Bowl SF SF Bowl Winner Match 27 v Winner Match 28 22 minutes 15h13 Entertainment Micasa 1 st Act 20 Minutes 15h35 Match 37 Plate SF SF Plate Loser Match 29 v Loser Match 30 22 minutes 15h55 Match 38 Plate SF SF Plate Loser Match 31 v Loser Match 32 22 minutes 16h17 Match 39 Cup SF SF Cup Winner Match 29 v Winner Match 30 22 minutes 16h39 Match 40 Cup SF SF Cup Winner Match 31 v Winner Match 32 22 minutes 17h01 Entertainment Micasa 2 nd Act 20 Minutes 17h23 Match 41 Shield Final Shield Final Winner Match 33 v Winner Match 34 25 minutes 17:43 Match 42 Bowl Final Bowl Final Winner Match 35 v Winner Match 36 25 minutes 18:08 Match 43 Plate Final Plate Final Winner Match 37 v Winner Match 38 25 minutes 18:33 Match 44 Play Off Play-off 3 rd & 4 th - Loser Match 39 v Loser Match 40 22 Minutes 18:58 7 P a g e
Entertainment 10 Minutes 19:20 Match 45 Cup Final Cup Final Winner Match 39 v Winner Match 40 30 minutes 19:30 Presentation End 20:00 Past winners in South Africa 2013: South Africa 2012: New Zealand 2011: New Zealand 2010: New Zealand 2009: New Zealand 2008: South Africa 2007: New Zealand 2006: New Zealand 2005: Fiji 2004: New Zealand 2003: England 2002: Fiji 2001: New Zealand 2000: New Zealand 1999: Fiji 8 P a g e
The referees for Port Elizabeth are: The International Rugby Board has announced the panel of referees for the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series, which kicked off in the Gold Coast on October 11. A core group of four referees will officiate at all nine tournaments (Federico Anselmi, Richard Kelly, Anthony Moyes and former Scotland Sevens Star Mike Adamson), while the entire panel has nearly 1000 matches of Sevens officiating experience between them. The nine rounds that comprise the 2014/15 Series also provide the chance for the referees to book their place at Rio 2016 through clear and consistent officiating and the highest standards of physical preparation. Marius Van Der Westhuizen (SARU) Ben Crouse (SARU) Rasta Rasivhenge (ARU) Matt O'Brien (ARU) Anthony Moyes (ARU) Federico Anselmi (UAR) Mike Adamson (SRU) Richard Kelly (NZRU) Nick Briant (NZRU) A moment to saviour in Dubai 9 P a g e
Player Profiles Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens 2014 Ruhan Nel Physical: 1.92 & 90kg, DOB: 17 May 1991, Johannesburg Education: Rynfield Primary, Brandwag HS, University of Johannesburg Fast Facts: In his Currie Cup debut in 2013, Nel scored a try for the Xerox Golden Lions within the first five minutes he came onto the field (against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs). He also scored a hat-trick in his debut match for the Springbok Sevens against American Samoa at Gold Coast. Other squads: Steval Pumas (Under-19), Xerox Golden Lions (Vodacom Cup, Absa Currie Cup), FNB WITS Varsity Cup Tournaments: 2; debut Gold Coast 2014/15 (20 points, 4 tries) Nel made steady progress as a professional player over the last couple of seasons and his national call-up speaks volumes of his commitment and endeavour. A strong, fast and physical player, Nel, who plays as a fullback and wing in fifteens, showed the aptitude to be used as a forward in sevens, thanks to a good appetite for rugby and hard work off the ball. 10 P a g e
Philip Snyman Physical: 1.88m & 98kg, DOB: 26/04/1987, Bloemfontein Education: Grey College Primary, Grey College Bloemfontein, University of Free State Fast facts: Nothing gets Snyman going better than the music of U2 and a healthy portion of steak. Other Squads: Free State (Coca-Cola Craven Week Schools, Under-19, Under-21, Vodacom Cup, Absa Currie Cup); Griffons Absa Currie Cup; Toyota Cheetahs Super Rugby. Tournaments: 26; Debut - Dubai 2010: 145 points (23 tries, 15 conversions) Snyman s decision to forfeit a career in fifteens, which included playing Vodacom Super Rugby, in order to play Sevens has reaped benefits for this fast and strong winger. He is a versatile player, equally adept in the forwards or backs and can kick at the poles as well when needed. Just returning from injury, Snyman will be fresh and eager to perform for his team and country 11 P a g e
Frankie Horne Physical: 1.83m & 105kg, DOB: 24/02/1983, Port Elizabeth Education: Hugenote Primary & Hugenote HS (Wellington) Fast facts: Horne has not missed a tournament since his debut in Dubai in 2007 and is South Africa s most experienced Sevens player of all time. His favourite food is meat and he loves to listen to the music of Rise Against. Other Squads: Team SA Commonwealth Games 2014; Boland Cavaliers (Under-20, Vodacom Cup, Absa Currie Cup) Tournaments: 61, Debut - Dubai 2007/08, 275 points (55 tries) As the most experience player in the squad, Horne takes charge in matches with a brutal defence. The ever-present veteran will be invaluable if the Springbok Sevens are to win the series. He will extend his HSBC Sevens World Series record of consecutive tournaments to 62 in PE. 12 P a g e
Kwagga Smith Physical: 1.82m & 82 kg, DOB: 11/06/1993, Lydenburg Education: Lydenburg Primary, HTS Middelburg Fast Facts: Played for the Junior Springboks in France at the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship as a looseforward. Played for the Xerox Golden Lions in the 2014 Absa Currie Cup final. Other Squads: Team SA Commonwealth Games 2014; Pumas (Coca-Cola Craven Week), Xerox Golden Lions (Under-19, Under-21, Vodacom Cup, Absa Currie Cup), Junior Springboks 2013, Springboks Sevens Elite Development squad. Tournaments: 8; Debut - Port Elizabeth 2013, 85 points (17 tries). Smith has been part of the Development squad for the last two years and his elevation into the senior squad was a matter of time. A tireless player around the tackle area with good distribution skills, Smith has all the abilities to play on the circuit for a long time to come. Smith was also a key player for the Junior Springboks in the 2013 JWC in France and played with great success with the Xerox Golden Lions in the Absa Currie Cup, representing his team in the 2014 final. 13 P a g e
Werner Kok Physical: 1, 77m & 80kg, DOB: 17/01/1993, Nelspruit Education: Nelspruit Primary, Nelspruit High School Fast facts: Kok loves Hip Hop music, his favourite meal is pizza and fish and any re-run of Black Hawk Down will keep him glued to the screen. Other Squads: Team SA Commonwealth Games 2014; Pumas Grant Khomo Under-16; Craven Week Under-18; DHL Western Province Under-19; SA Elite Player Development Sevens Tournaments: 11, Debut London 2013/14; (120 points, 24 tries) Kok is a product of the SA Elite Player Development Sevens squad. The former winger is fast and strong and has the ability to seamlessly move between forwards and backs. He scored the winning try in the 2014 Las Vegas Cup final against New Zealand and scored three tries at the Gold Coast and four in Dubai, confirming his fine form. 14 P a g e
Kyle Brown (Captain) Physical: 1.82m & 96 kg, DOB: 06/02/1987, Cape Town Education: SACS, Cape Town and University of Cape Town Fast Facts: South African Sevens Player of the Year in 2010. Missed most of the 2012/13 season due to injury so will be keen to make the most his opportunities in the current series. Other squads: Team SA Commonwealth Games 2014; Regent Boland Cavaliers Under -21, DHL Western Province Under-21, University of Cape Town Varsity Cup Tournaments: 41 - debut Dubai 2008; 330 points (66 tries) One of the real stalwarts on the world Sevens stage, Brown will be looking for a strong season having missed a number of tournaments in the last two seasons due to ankle, knee and shoulder injuries. An honest player with high fitness levels and a natural leader, his presence on the pitch is an inspiring sight. His aerial skills are a highlight of his play, while his experience and leadership is key to his team s success. 15 P a g e
Branco du Preez Physical: 1.66m & 75kg, DOB: 08/05/1990, George Education: Van der Hoven Primary & PW Botha College (George), Harmony Sports Academy, Virginia, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Pretoria Fast facts: Du Preez played scrumhalf and centre for the Junior Springboks in the Junior World Rugby Championships in 2010. Other Squads: Team SA Commonwealth Games 2014; Griffons (Coca-Cola Craven Week, Under-19); TUT (FNB Varsity Cup), Blue Bulls (Under-19, Under-21), South Africa (Under-20) Tournaments: 34 - Debut Wellington (2009/10), 649 points (61 tries, 172 conversions). Du Preez has become a real stalwart in the squad and has pretty much made the sweeper role his own. Dynamite comes in small packages and Du Preez certainly provides just that with his explosive pace and lightning breaks. His value as a reliable goal-kicker has helped the team immensely in 2013/14 and it was no surprise that Du Preez was top-scorer for his side with 200 points in the season. 16 P a g e
Rayno Benjamin Physical: 1.87m & 90kg, DOB: 03/08/1983, St. Helena Bay Education: St. Helena Bay Primary, Weston High School Fast facts: Benjamin was a member of the national squad that won the overall series title in 2008/09. He also won titles in Dubai in 2006 and 2008. Other Squads: Boland Kavaliers (Vodacom Cup, Absa Currie Cup); Xerox Golden Lions (Absa Currie Cup); Toyota Free State (Absa Currie Cup); Toyota Cheetahs, Vodacom Super Rugby. Tournaments: 26 Debut: Dubai 2006, 414 points (82 tries, 2 conversions) Benjamin made a return to the circuit for the first time in five years. His love for sevens was rekindled last year when he represented South Africa at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia and he is keen to make a solid contribution before returning to the Vodacom Cheetahs for the 2015 Vodacom Super Rugby competition. 17 P a g e
Warrick Gelant Physical: 1.79m & 86kg, DOB 20/05/1995, Knysna Education: Hornlee Primary, Outeniqua High School, University of Pretoria Fast Facts: Gelant has won silver with the Junior Springboks at the JWC in New Zealand and gold with the SA U18 Sevens at the 2013 Australian Youth Olympics. Other squads: SWD Craven Week; SA Schools (2012/13); University of Pretoria Tukkies, Varsity Cup; Vodacom Blue Bulls (Under-19, Vodacom Cup); Junior Springboks (2014). Tournaments: 1 - debut in Dubai 2014/15; (5 points, 1 try) Gelant was a real schoolboy star and the young player is set for a long career in international rugby. A fullback/wing with a great set of feet and massive speed, the world is Gelant s oyster. He has the temperament and skill to succeed at the highest level and could be a surprise package in the series. 18 P a g e
Cecil Afrika (Backs) Physical: 1.75m & 73kg, DOB: 03/03/1988, Port Elizabeth Education: Missionvale Primary & Hentie Cilliers HS, Virginia Fast facts: Afrika is a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, the first South African to be bestowed this honour and was also named South African Sevens Player of the Year in his career. His favourite food is pasta and he loves to listen to R&B. Other Squads: Griffons Craven Week, Griffons Under-19, Under-21, Griffons Vodacom Cup, Griffons Currie Cup; South Africa Under-19, Junior Boks Under-21. Tournaments: 32 - debut - Dubai 2009/10, 914 points (109 tries, 184 conversions, 1 drop goal) Now firmly established as one of the top sevens players of all time, Afrika returns to the circuit fit again following only ten appearances in the last three seasons due to injuries. His all-round abilities in Sevens are breath-taking and his ability to score vital tries in big games are unmatched. 19 P a g e
Seabelo Senatla (Backs) Physical: 1.86m & 77kg, DOB: 10/03/1993, Welkom Education: Koppie Alleen Primary, Riebeeckstad High, Central University of Technology, Free State Fast facts: Senatla was a sprinter at high school where he was spotted by rugby scouts. Other Squads: Team SA Commonwealth Games 2014; Griffons Craven Week Schools, CUT Varsity Cup, Junior Springboks 2013, DHL Western Province, DHL Stormers. Tournaments: 12; Debut - Wellington 2013/14; 280 points (56 tries) Senatla is one of the rising stars in South African rugby and joined the Springboks on their Castle Lager Outgoing Series to Europe, although he did not play any tests. He also represented his country at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow and the Junior World Championships in France in 2013. A prolific try scorer with searing pace and great footwork, Senatla is set to be a major trump card for the Springbok Sevens team in the HSBC Sevens World Series. He was impressive in his first season of Absa Currie Cup rugby, helping DHL WP to an Absa Currie Cup finals win. 20 P a g e
Cheslin Kolbe Physical: 1.71m & 75kg, DOB: 28/10/1993, Kraaifontein Education: Simonsberg Primary, Brackenfell High School Fast facts: Kolbe represented South Africa in the 2013 World Junior Championship in France in 2013 and the Rugby Sevens World Cup a month later in Moscow. He also won the Absa Currie Cup with DHL WP in 2014. Other Squads: DHL Western Province CravenWeek, Under-19, Under-21, Vodacom Cup, Absa Currie Cup); DHL Stormers; Junior Springboks Tournaments: 7 Debut: London 2011, 84 points (19 tries, 11 conversions) The sensational running ability of Kolbe has been a highlight of his senior career after he bamboozled defences at all levels of rugby in 2014, including Vodacom Super Rugby, Absa Currie Cup and the HSBC Sevens World Series, where he represented South Africa in Dubai and PE in 2013. His efforts helped the hosts along to a tournament title in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Brilliant on attack with playmaker skills, Kolbe will be hard to contain. 21 P a g e
Milestones Frankie Horne is the only player in the history of the HSBC Sevens World Series to play 60 consecutive tournaments. He will extend that record to 62 in PE.. Branco du Preez broke the 600 points mark in Gold Coast (607*) Cecil Afrika (914*) could pass Fabian Juries (925) as the top points scorer for the Blitzboks in the HSBC Sevens World Series Ruhan Nel became the 155 th player to represent South Africa in the HSBC Sevens World Series in Gold Coast and Warrick Gelant no 156 in Dubai last weekend. Coach Neil Powell could become the first player who also wins the overall series title as a coach, having being a member of the 2008/2009 team that won the overall series. Team Management Neil Powell (Head coach) : Powell had a stellar career as a player, representing the Springbok Sevens team in 32 tournament on the HSBC Sevens World Series and captained the side for a number of seasons as well. He played in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition for the Cats and The Sharks and represented Toyota Free State, Vodacom Blue Bulls and GWK Griquas in the Absa Currie Cup competition. After he retired from the playing field, he took to coaching and took charge of the SARU Elite Player Development Sevens squad. Tournament wins with this team in Kenya's Safari Sevens, the International tournament at the Dubai Sevens and the IPL Sevens in George pointed to his affinity in his new role. He also coached the South African Under-18 side to the gold medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Australia in 2013. He has now won a bronze medal as a player and a gold medal as a coach in Rugby Sevens at the Commonwealth Games. His next aim will be to become the first player who also wins the overall series title as a coach, having being a member of the 2008/2009 team that won the overall series. Hugh Everson (Physiotherapist) Everson has worked as a physiotherapist for several topclass rugby teams, most notably the South African Under-19 team (2002-06) and Griqualand West in the Absa Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup (2004-06). Everson was also the physiotherapist for the SA Schools side in 2003 and for the Griquas U19 and U21 teams. Allan Temple-Jones (Biokineticist) Temple-Jones started out at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa in 2005, before taking up full-time employment with SARU. He did his honours in Sports Science, specialising in biokinetics, and, apart from the Springbok Sevens team, has worked with the SA Under-19 side. TJ has also been involved in other sporting codes and has worked with the South African men s hockey side, the Cape Cobras cricket team and professional football sides like Santos, Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows. Ashley Evert (Team Manager) Evert is a former South African Under-21 assistant-coach and won many provincial Under-19 and Under-21 titles with the Vodacom Blue Bulls. He 22 P a g e
joined the Springbok Sevens team as team manager three years ago and is hugely responsible for the seamless administration the squad enjoys. Fast Springbok Sevens Facts: There have been 156 Springboks Sevens players since the inception of the World Series in 1999 (excluding Sevens World Cups). No less than 32 BlitzBoks have gone on to represent the Springboks, with Warren Whiteley, Cornal Hendricks and Seabelo Senatla* the most recent. *Senatla did not play in any tests. Current Springbok captain Jean de Villiers is a former Springbok Sevens player and represented his country 11 times in the World Rugby SevensWorld Series. Bryan Habana played in two tournaments. Team records (All time) Top Scorers 1. Fabian Juries, 925 points (44 tournaments) 2. Cecil Afrika, 914 points (32 tournaments) 3. Mzwandile Stick, 855 points (37 tournaments) 4. Stefan Basson, 691 points (19 tournaments) 5. Branco du Preez, 649 (34 tournaments) Top Try scorers: 1. Fabian Juries 179 (44 tournaments) 2. Cecil Afrika 109 (31 tournaments) 3. Marius Schoeman 103 (42 tournaments) 4. Mzwandile Stick 86 (37 tournament) Top Goal kickers: 1. Mzwandile Stick (210) 23 P a g e
2. Stefan Basson (195) 3. Cecil Afrika (183) 4. Branco du Preez (172) 5. Brent Russell (118) Most tournament appearances 1. Frankie Horne 61 2. Fabian Juries 44 3. Marius Schoeman 42 4. Kyle Brown 41 5. Chris Dry 38 Most points scored in one match Andries Fourie 31 (v Malaysia in Tokyo 2000, SA won 84-0) The list of dual Springboks are: Gio Aplon, Gcobani Bobo**, Gerrie Britz, Warren Britz, Heinrich Brussow, Tonderai Chavhanga, Bolla Conradie, Juan de Jongh, Jean de Villiers, Gaffie du Toit*, Grant Esterhuizen*, Kabamba Floors, Bryan Habana, Cornal Hendricks, Adrian Jacobs, Conrad Jantjes, Ryan Kankowski, Ricardo Loubscher, Jorrie Muller, Akona Ndungane, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques Olivier*, Deon Oosthuyzen*, Andre Pretorius, Jaco Pretorius, Earl Rose, Brent Russell, Andries Strauss, Joe van Niekerk, Jano Vermaak, Warren Whiteley, Ashwin Willemse, Chester Williams* Seabelo Senatla has been picked for the November tour, but did not play in any matches. Highlighted players are current Springboks *Played for the Springboks and then for Springbok Sevens **Played for Springbok Sevens, Springboks, again Springbok Sevens and then Springboks again. Team Contact details: Sebastian Prim (High Performance Manager: Springbok Sevens) sprim@sarugby.co.za 24 P a g e
+27829591488 Rayaan Adriaanse (SARU Media Manager) rayaan@sarugby.co.za +27829990022 Twitter: @blitzboks Compiled by SARU Corporate Affairs 25 P a g e