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Blitzbokke to face formidable opponents in Port Elizabeth

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Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens host, South Africa, were placed in a tough pool following the official tournament draw by the IRB on Saturday evening in Dubai. Round three of the HSBC Sevens World Series takes place next weekend, 8 and 9 December, in Port Elizabeth.

The Springbok Sevens will face Dubai winners Samoa, France and Australia in Pool A in a very competitive race for the two group qualification spots on offer and passage to the Cup quarterfinals.

New Zealand, the defending South Africa tournament champions who lost to Samoa in the Dubai final, are the top-ranked side in Pool B which also include Fiji, Scotland England.

Kenya head Pool C and were drawn alongside Wales, Argentina and Spain. Dubai surprise package Portugal, Canada, the United States and Zimbabwe complete the final grouping in Pool D.

New Zealand currently lead the World Series standings on 38 points after two rounds, followed by Fiji, Kenya, Samoa (all on 32), France (27) and South Africa (24).

The first few teams will arrive today at approximately 9.20pm in Port Elizabeth from Johannesburg while the second group, including home team South Africa, are expected to land at 10.20pm in the Friendly City.

The confirmed pools for the Cell C Nelson Mandela Bay Sevens are:

  • Pool A: Samoa, France, South Africa, Australia
  • Pool B: New Zealand, Fiji, Scotland, England
  • Pool C: Kenya, Wales, Argentina, Spain
  • Pool D: Portugal, Canada, United Stated, Zimbabwe

The HSBC Sevens World Series Standings after two rounds are:

  • New Zealand – 38 points
  • Fiji – 32
  • Kenya – 32
  • Samoa –  – 32
  • France – 27
  • South Africa – 24
  • Argentina –     21
  • Wales –  18
  • Canada –  – 17
  • Australia – 11
  • Portugal –  11
  • England –   10
  • Spain – 10
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.