ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Regan Ware's huge hit on Seabelo Senatla stops South Africa dead in their tracks

BY Grant Constable  ·  Wednesday Feb 3, 2016

New Zealand pulled off a miraculous escape in the Cup Final of the Wellington 7s, thanks in part to this crucial big tackle made by Regan Ware. The hit not only resulted in an end to the attack, but also gave the All Blacks Sevens team a shot at victory.

South Africa were leading at the time so they probably could have been a bit more conservative, even though a try was there for the taking.

After Ware came in for the big hit on speedster Senatla, the ball was coughed up and judged to have gone forward by referee Matt O’Brien, who incidentally took quite a lot of criticism for his handling of the last five minutes of the final.

The hosts had come back from trailing 21-7 to score a dramatic late try as South Africa had a man in the sinbin. They ended up winning 24-21, claiming their fifth Wellington title in six years.

Sydney hosts Australia won the Plate with a 21-5 win over Argentina, Samoa won the Bowl and France lifted the Shield. 

New Zealand moved from seventh to third on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings with 47 points, give behind Fiji who finished third in Wellington, and seven behind leaders South Africa.

World Cup winning star Sonny Bill Williams meanwhile had a mixed weekend, making some crucial errors but also coming up with the sensational pass that led to pool victory over South Africa.

While he experienced victory in his first ever 7s tournament, he knows there is lots to work on.

“It was a massive learning experience for myself and I’m just grateful to be playing for such a talented side,” said Williams. “The boys had to push themelves to their limits, to places you don’t really want to go. I’m just a bit rusty in some areas. Sevens is very fast and tough on the lungs, but I’m enjoying it and I know I got many things to work on.”

Below is the crucial hit by Ware, and you can view final day highlights below that

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 40 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 40 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All