Winning Australian Sevens coach Michael O’Connor has revealed he was convinced his side were heading to defeat in the final of Sunday’s London Sevens.
Cecil Afrika’s late break looked like it was going to prove the winning score for South Africa in an absorbing contest. But a match-saving tackle from Australian skipper James Stannard thwarted the Boks, with the Aussies holding on for the 19-14 win.
“The game was see-sawing, then right on full time when had a 19-14 lead, one of the South Africans made a break and took off down the field and I was sure he was going to score,” O’Connor said.
“James Stannard made this unbelievable tackle, he chased him the length of the field, put an unbelievable tackle on him and sent him into touch.
“I thought James had no chance of getting him, I have no idea where he pulled that pace from. He’s got to be the player of the tournament.
Australia’s win was their first since 2002 in Brisbane and was made all the more impressive by the fact they were without the likes of Pat McCutcheon Kimami Sitauti, Robbie Coleman, and Liam Gill in London due to Super 14 and Australian Under-20 commitments.
Original Story:
http://ur7s.com/news/1077/oconnor_pra...
1
3
