hsbc sevens world series

The Springbok Sevens team will be aiming to reach an unprecedented sixth consecutive HSBC Sevens World Series Cup final as they go in search of their first Hong Kong Sevens title this weekend.

Prolific try-scorer Seabelo Senatla returns to the Springbok Sevens squad for the next two tournaments of the HSBC Sevens World Series, taking place in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but playmaker Cecil Africa will miss the trip to the Far East due to a hamstring problem.

Prolific try-scorer Seabelo Senatla returns to the Springbok Sevens squad for the next two tournaments of the HSBC Sevens World Series, taking place in Tokyo and Hong Kong, but playmaker Cecil Africa will miss the trip to the Far East due to a hamstring problem.

South Africa's attempt to win a third HSBC Sevens World Series title in succession was ended by New Zealand in the final of the Wellington Sevens on Saturday, with the Kiwis defeating the Blitzbokke 21-0 in the Cup final.

South Africa captured the Tokyo Sevens rugby title on Sunday, their second tournament victory in three events, after a superb second half effort lifted them past New Zealand by 24 points to 19.

In 2011, the Springboks' defence of their Rugby World Cup crown came up short, but they bowed out of the event with great credit after a somewhat bizarre quarterfinal loss to Australia in which the only statistic they trailed in was the final score.

Two tries, one at the end of the first half and one right at the end of the game, proved to be the difference as New Zealand edged South Africa 31-26 in the final of the Port Elizabeth Sevens on Saturday.

Springbok flank Schalk Burger was named South African Rugby Player of the Year for a second time, while Currie Cup champions the MTN Golden Lions picked up a hat-trick of awards, at the 2011 SA Rugby Awards.

Eastern Cape-born Cecil Afrika, top points and try scorer in the 2010/2011 HSBC Sevens World series, was recently named the International Rugby Board's (IRB) Sevens Player of the Year.
• Kick start for rugby programme

Cecil Afrika was named world Sevens Player of the Year at the IRB Rugby Awards in Auckland on Monday. Four other South Africans - the late Kitch Christie, Francois Pienaar, Jake White and John Smit - were elected to the IRB Hall of Fame.