SA u18 Sevens team could make it four in a row in Namibia

The South African u18 sevens side will attempt to bag their fourth consecutive Capricorn 7’s title this weekend. The annual tournament will once again be hosted by Windhoek Gimnasium in Namibia from 27 to 29 February.

They were crowned champions during the inaugural tournament back in 2017 when they defeated Namibia by 45-0. In 2018 the South Africans defeated Germany by 46-0 in the final to retain their title. They completed a hat-trick of titles last year by beating Germany by 28-5 in the final.

Two players from last year’s victorious side, Latica Nela (Hilton College) and Siviwe Zondani (Grey High School) will once again make the trip to Windhoek. 

Paul Roos Gimnasium of Stellenbosch has with three players in Bevan Simmons, Jordan Venter, and Jared Africa the biggest representation within the squad. Kenya will also send a team to Windhoek for the first time and would probably be the biggest threat for the South Africans.  

Affies speedster Bjorn van Wyk ought to cause some problems for the opponents of the South Africans with his power and pace. His best time over 100 meters this year is an incredible 10.97 seconds. Van Wyk also represented Affies’ first XV in 2019 scoring eight tries through the season. 

SA Rugby also hosts an Elite Player Development camp this week in Stellenbosch. None of the players invited to this camp was considered for the SA u18 sevens side which will defend the title in Namibia. 

The SA squad is: 

Bjorn van Wyk (Affies), Gert Steyn, Tiaan Fourie (both Grey College), Siviwe Zondani (Grey High School), Latica Nela (Hilton College), Connor de Bruyn (Kearsney College), Anati Makasita (Oudtshoorn), Jade Coeries (Outeniqua), Bevon Simmons, Jared Africa, Jordan Venter (all Paul Roos Gimnasium), Keno Alexander (Welkom Gimnasium), Melbirt van der Spuy (Helpmekaar).

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Hannes Nienaber

Hannes Nienaber covered schools' rugby in South Africa for Volksblad, Beeld, and Rapport for 11 years. He also created the biggest school rugby website in South Africa - School of Rugby - back in 2007. It eventually morphed into Supersport Schools Plus. He still occasionally milks cows.

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