SHILTON VAN WYK crossed for two tries as South Africa denied Ireland the chance to make history in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
The Blitzboks secured a 21-5 win in the second leg of the final in Dubai while Australia claimed the women’s title.
With qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games resting on this season’s standings, stakes are high and so it showed on the second day in the UAE with some more high-quality sevens.
South Africa are winners of five of the last six tournaments in Dubai, including twice last season when events were played on back-to-back weekends as organisers juggled with the post-pandemic travel issues.
The Blitzboks saw off Samoa 24-19 in the quarters before running out 26-19 victors over New Zealand in the semis.
Ireland beat Argentina 19-14 before edging the United States — who beat Hong Kong winners Australia in their quarter — 12-7 for their place in the final.
Two tries from Van Wyk and another by Siviwe Soyizwapi, all converted by Ricardo James Duarttee, handed the Boks a healthy 21-0 half-time lead over the Irish.
Jack Kelly pulled a try back for Ireland early in the second period, but they couldn’t get any closer to South Africa.
The women’s competition was won by Australia, who saw off New Zealand 26-19 in the final.
Sharni Williams, Faith Nathan, Maddison Levi and Demi Hayes all crossed for tries with Madison Ashby running the show.
The Kiwis hit back with a Michaela Blyde hat-trick but it proved to be too little, too late under floodlights at The Sevens Stadium.
The top four teams in each competition at the end of the World Series will be guaranteed a spot in the Paris 2024 line-up.
Man, it’s such a shame after all the effort they’re putting into this, they they’re just falling short of well deserved success and glory. To think years ago, Ireland didn’t even have a 7s team.
@Criiochúr Daniel Daithí O’Chathail: need to get the aviva on the circuit.. Looks like an incredible day out.. A real spectacle…
@Criiochúr Daniel Daithí O’Chathail: excuses
@Stuart Collins: It’s Landsdowne Road, oldest international rugby ground in the world!. If Zurich take over after Aviva, what will you call it?
@Charlie Brown: The Zurich…. (oldest international rugby stadium in the world)
Is it the top five if France are in the top four do the qualify automatically
Defended well overall, but coming back from 21 down was a bridge too far.
Was Kennedy injured?
@Daithí O’ Donnabhain: Kennedy is taking a year off to go travelling or something I think