It was a well balanced clash from the start with Rhinos dealing with Hogs 1 threats. Hogs are not strangers to the podium finish as they have won three other 7s series that were held this season.
However, Hogs 1 snatched the first try in the third minute through James Vambe, taking a 5-0 lead. Unfortunately, the hosts failed to convert
. Rhinos pushed to equalise but Hogs 1 players were too strong for the youthful Rhinos side.
A few minutes later, Rhinos were awarded a penalty. Hogs 1 punished Rhinos through a brilliant movement by the side to extend the lead on the brink of half time. Upon return from the break, Hogs 1 did not waste time as Vambe, who was having a good game, extended the lead to 12-0 after a clean try in the corner. Nothing came out of the conversion.
The youthful Rhinos kept pushing despite being demolished by their opponents but that was not enough as Hogs 1 player, Koketso Galetshetse was on the scoreboard making it 24-0.
The game was now beyond Rhinos reach but the side was not giving up yet. Two changes were made to bring in fresh legs. The decision by Tshoganetso ‘Shakes’ Katse was rewarded with a try in 10th minute to make it 24-5 after failing to convert. A few minutes later, another try was scored to finish the game at 24-12.
Speaking to Sport Monitor, Rhinos coach, Katse said he was impressed with the performance of his side. He pointed out that Hogs 1 players have been playing 7s for a long time.
“My players are UB students and we do not practice every day like our opponents. This game was about egos and I expected my players to show me character and they did that in the second half. When I made those changes in the second half, I wanted to go physical on Hogs 1. Initially, the plan was to go wide but they matched us when we played wide,” Katse said.
Hogs 1 coach, Shaun Lees said as the 7s circuits were coming to an end, the standard of rugby in the country has improved. “We have had Hogs 1 in all the finals but it was not easy for them. Rhinos were a good side despite not having the experience. They should just go back to the drawing board, fix a few things for next season.
Today our plan was to control the game, moving the ball and that worked for us and that is why we scored more tries than in the previous circuits,” he said. Lees, who is also the men’s national 7s team manager, said he has seen a lot of players who can make it into the squad in regard to speed, power and contact area.
“We had a lot of youngsters during this circuit that can make into the national circuit. It is all about what they will be doing at their clubs going forward. Where we lacked before is the body built but now we have players with the build that we are looking for,” Lees said.
Hogs 1: 24 UB Rhinos: 12
