Springbok Sevens ‘A' side ends Rugby Africa Sevens pool stage on high after slow start
Ricardo Duarttee brought loads of experience and his trademark trickery to the Springbok Sevens 'A' side in Mauritius at the weekend.
Image: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
The Springbok Sevens 'A' side slowly warmed to their task in the pool stage of the Rugby Africa Sevens at the Labourdonnais Sports Club in Mauritius on Saturday, with victories over Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso.
The South Africans began the tournament with a 17-5 victory over Nigeria's Black Stallions in a scrappy, error-strewn opening match where they struggled to find their rhythm or assert themselves on their opponents.
It took one moment of brilliance – a dummy pass from the energetic Ricardo Duarttee, or 'Tricky Ricky' – to send Joel Leotlela over in the right-hand corner for the only score of the first half.
Flyer Sebastiaan Jobb had an almost immediate impact off the bench in the second stanza, his converted try after 11 minutes stretching SA's lead to 12-0.
Personal goals and team objectives will need to combine if South Africa want positive results at the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius this weekend - more here: https://t.co/mVpyjZrJVf 👊#PoweredByUnity #Blitzboks pic.twitter.com/biUeazmoQZ — Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) June 20, 2025
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
The Nigerians hit back two minutes later to reduce the lead to 12-5. It was no more than their endeavour deserved, even if they were guilty of schoolboy handling errors at times.
Masande Mtshali had the final say for the Springbok Sevens 'A' side. He dotted down in the right-hand corner after some good inter-passing as the favourites seemed to have finally woken from their slumber.
There would be no further additions to the scoreline but Philip Snyman's charges will have been left with plenty to ponder going into the second match of the tournament.
The South Africans started the second pool match against Zambia far better than the first, a foot in touch denying Grant de Jager the early score. But a few minutes later, they made the most of turnover ball on the Zambian tryline for Joubert Schoeman to score.
The Zambians levelled the score at 7-7. But their joy was short-lived, after Schoeman rose high and collected the ball off the kick-off to canter over the whitewash.
The game seemed headed for a thrilling second half after Zambia fought back to draw level again before half-time (14-14).
However, the class of the South Africans finally told. Mfundo Ndhlovu showed great strength, shrugging off tackles and powering over the line as the Springbok Sevens 'A' side eventually ran out 33-14 winners.
Mfundo Ndhlovu showed off all his skills for the Springbok Sevens 'A' side on the opening day of the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius.
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Club World Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns vs Borussia Dortmund
Mamelodi Sundowns will look to pick up another three points – and add to their bank balance – when they take on German giants Borussia Dortmund in their FIFA Club World Cup Group F clash on Saturday. Kick-off at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio is at 18:00 (SA time). When South Africans connect, we don't just network; we build a community. The Lekker Network is a professional network where every conversation starts with, 'How can I help you?' Come join us & be a part of a community of extraordinary Saffas. Mamelodi Sundowns are coming off a 1-0 win over South Korean side Uslan HD, while Borussia Dortmund played out to a goalless draw against Brazilian side Fluminense in their opener. As a reminder, each group stage win if worth $2 million (R36 million), while in the event of a draw, both sides will pocket $1 million (R18 million). Before the opening whistle in Cincinnati, Masandawana have already banked well over R200 million! By securing their place at the tournament, Mamelodi Sundowns were guaranteed $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees. Their win over Uslan HD – thanks to the lone goal in the match by Iqraam Rayners – was worth a further R36 million to the Tshwane giants. That means at the time of publishing, Mamelodi Sundowns have banked $9.55 million (R173 million) in appearance fees and $2 million (R36 million) for their opening match win, giving them a total of R209 million. A top-two finish and qualification for the knockout phase will be worth an extra $7.5 million (R136 million) to those 16 teams. Should Mamelodi Sundowns finish top of Group F, they will face the runner-up in Group E. Group E comprises River Plate from Argentina, Italy's Inter Milan, Monterrey from Mexico and Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds. If Mamelodi Sundowns finish second in Group F, they will face the winner of Group E. Should Masandawana successfully navigate their way into the quarter-finals, that will be worth another $13.125 million (R237 million). A spot in the semi-finals would be worth an additional $21 million (R380 million). The tournament's runner-up will receive $30 million (R542 million) while the overall winner will walk way $40 million (R723 million) richer. In a best case scenario , this is how much Mamelodi Sundowns could potentially win: Round Dollars Rands Appearance fee $9.55 million R173 million * Group stage Beat Uslan HD $2 million R36 million * Beat Borussia Dortmund $2 million R36 million Beat Fluminense $2 million R36 million Reach Round of 16 $7.5 million R136 million Reach quarter-finals $13.125 million R237 million Reach semi-finals $21 million R380 million Lift the trophy $40 million R723 million TOTAL $97.125 million R1.757 billion *denotes confirmed prize money won That is PROPER money and will ensure Mamelodi Sundowns get richer and the gap between the Tshwane giants and the rest of the PSL teams just widens even further. It's also sure to leave Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates green with envy. The next FIFA Club World Cup is due to be held in 2029. Ronwen Williams (captained), Denis Onyango, Reyaad Pieterse, Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Grant Kekana, Malibongwe Khoza, Mothobi Mvala, Keanu Cupido, Mosa Lebusa, Marcelo Allende, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Sphelele Mkhulise, Neo Maema, Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Peter Shalulile, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales, Tashreeq Matthews, Lebo Mothiba, Kutlwano Letlhaku Masandawana will be captained by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who created history at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations by saving four shootout penalties to take South Africa past Cape Verde in a quarter-final. Coach Miguel Cardoso has selected a 26-man squad including 20 South Africans, two Brazilians, a Chilean, a Ugandan, a Zimbabwean and a Namibian. Mamelodi Sundowns' remaining Group F matches are as follows (all times SA): Saturday, 21 June vs Borussia Dortmund – 18:00 Wednesday, 25 June vs Fluminense – 21:00 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Springbok Sevens ‘A' side ends Rugby Africa Sevens pool stage on high after slow start
Ricardo Duarttee brought loads of experience and his trademark trickery to the Springbok Sevens 'A' side in Mauritius at the weekend. Image: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix The Springbok Sevens 'A' side slowly warmed to their task in the pool stage of the Rugby Africa Sevens at the Labourdonnais Sports Club in Mauritius on Saturday, with victories over Nigeria, Zambia and Burkina Faso. The South Africans began the tournament with a 17-5 victory over Nigeria's Black Stallions in a scrappy, error-strewn opening match where they struggled to find their rhythm or assert themselves on their opponents. It took one moment of brilliance – a dummy pass from the energetic Ricardo Duarttee, or 'Tricky Ricky' – to send Joel Leotlela over in the right-hand corner for the only score of the first half. Flyer Sebastiaan Jobb had an almost immediate impact off the bench in the second stanza, his converted try after 11 minutes stretching SA's lead to 12-0. Personal goals and team objectives will need to combine if South Africa want positive results at the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius this weekend - more here: 👊#PoweredByUnity #Blitzboks — Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) June 20, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Nigerians hit back two minutes later to reduce the lead to 12-5. It was no more than their endeavour deserved, even if they were guilty of schoolboy handling errors at times. Masande Mtshali had the final say for the Springbok Sevens 'A' side. He dotted down in the right-hand corner after some good inter-passing as the favourites seemed to have finally woken from their slumber. There would be no further additions to the scoreline but Philip Snyman's charges will have been left with plenty to ponder going into the second match of the tournament. The South Africans started the second pool match against Zambia far better than the first, a foot in touch denying Grant de Jager the early score. But a few minutes later, they made the most of turnover ball on the Zambian tryline for Joubert Schoeman to score. The Zambians levelled the score at 7-7. But their joy was short-lived, after Schoeman rose high and collected the ball off the kick-off to canter over the whitewash. The game seemed headed for a thrilling second half after Zambia fought back to draw level again before half-time (14-14). However, the class of the South Africans finally told. Mfundo Ndhlovu showed great strength, shrugging off tackles and powering over the line as the Springbok Sevens 'A' side eventually ran out 33-14 winners. Mfundo Ndhlovu showed off all his skills for the Springbok Sevens 'A' side on the opening day of the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns to showcase Brazilian flair against Borussia Dortmund at Club World Cup
The vibrant colours of the Mamelodi Sundowns kit evoke strong connections to Brazil. Photo: AFP Image: AFP The vibrant colours of Mamelodi Sundowns' kit evoke strong connections to South America's most celebrated footballing nation Brazil, a five-time Fifa World Cup winner. Now, as the South Africans stride onto the global stage at the Club World Cup, this correlation is stronger than ever. Nicknamed the Brazilians, Sundowns are captivated by the shared ethos of flair and passion, and Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac drew parallels between their style of play and that of the Brazilian national team. Kovac came to that conclusion while doing his homework on Sundowns ahead of today's Group F clash. He said: 'They are more to the side of the Brazilian team', underscoring the challenge that awaits Dortmund and the intrigue surrounding Sundowns in this tournament. Grouped in the fiercely competitive Pool F alongside the likes of Bundesliga powerhouses Borussia Dortmund, illustrious Brazilian side Fluminense, and South Korean outfit Ulsan HD, Sundowns are ready to prove that they belong among the elite. Masandawana are stepping into a realm where their fluid passing, inventive movement, and tactical acumen can shine on a worldwide platform. For Sundowns, being likened to Brazil – a country synonymous with football artistry – validates their approach and ambition. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The team have long been noted for their flair and creativity, distinct qualities that have brought them success in South African football. Sundowns are not just players in a tournament; they are ambassadors of South African football, with the hopes of a continent resting on their shoulders. The world's eyes will be on them as they strive to outshine their formidable opponents. Kovac expressed his enthusiasm for this unique opportunity, highlighting the diverse playing styles of their upcoming opponents. However, his Dortmund squad are ready to face an eclectic mix of playing styles. 'This is something new, a special moment for each of us,' Kovac remarked, underlining the thrill of venturing outside the familiar territory of European football. 'We usually play European teams, and now we're facing three different teams from three different continents. 'It's something new and something nice, to be honest.'
