What we learned from the Six Nations and Sydney Sevens, according to CRAIG LEWIS.
Blitzboks appear unstoppable
Four events, four final appearances and now three titles. This has been the start to the 2016-17 World Rugby Sevens Series for the Blitzboks, which has seen them open up a commanding 17-point lead at the summit of the standings. After a runners-up finish last season, before clinching a bronze medal at the Olympics, the Blitzboks have unequivocally taken their game to the next level. Their organisation and understanding on attack is a cut above the rest, while it’s been complemented by an abrasive and highly effective defence. They’re a team that looks destined for title success in 2017.
Senatla, Smith will be sorely missed
Although the Blitzboks have demonstrated the effectiveness of their strong squad system in coping with the injury absences of Kyle Brown and Cecil Afrika, they’re now set for their sternest test yet. Superstar Seabelo Senatla is now set to join the Stormers for Super Rugby for the rest of the season, while Kwagga Smith will head to the Lions. Senatla has scored a whopping 32 tries in four events, while Smith has added immense value with his physicality and consistency, and both players will be very difficult to replace for the remainder of the campaign.
VIDEO: Seven scintillating tries from Sydney Sevens
England have work to do
Most pre-season pundits expected England to have very little trouble in overcoming inconsistent France in their Six Nations opener on Saturday. However, they certainly didn’t have it all their own way, and had to rely on the impact of the bench and a late try to clinch a comeback win that they would have felt fortunate to come away with. The result enabled England to extend their winning streak to 15 Tests, but suddenly this Saturday’s clash against Wales in Cardiff looks to be one where anything could happen.
VIDEO: Highlights of England vs France
Eddie Jones is his own biggest critic
In a sports world where coaches and players so often dish up cliché after cliché at post-match press conferences, Jones remains a breath of fresh air. While he’s always been quite the entertainer in the media, this past Saturday he wasn’t shy to accept full responsibility for what he described as an ‘awful’ performance from England against France. ‘I did not prepare the team well enough,’ he conceded. ‘I have got a lot of homework to do over the weekend.’ Such comments also stood in contrast to the denial and lack of honest culpability that generally came out of the Bok camp last year.
Scotland on the rise
Most viewers wouldn’t have believed their eyes if they turned on the television and saw that Scotland led 21-5 after half an hour of play against Ireland. After all, this was an Irish team that secured a first-ever win over the Boks in South Africa last year, while also clinching a historic victory over the All Blacks. And although Ireland did battle back in the second half, while dominating the overall territory and possession stats, there is no doubt that Scotland were worthy winners. Scotland have recently shown signs that they are on the up – most particularly when they very nearly progressed to the 2015 World Cup semi-finals – and certainly look like they could spring a few more surprises this season.
VIDEO: Highlights of Scotland vs Ireland
Photo: Peter Parks/AFP Photo
