Rugby
Norton Edges Senatla to take DHL Impact Player in Dubai
"The 2016 Dubai Sevens was a case of the speedsters,” says Rob Vickerman, former England Rugby 7s Captain and DHL Rugby Ambassador. A quick look at the DHL Impact Player leader board confirms that, with Dan Norton, Seabelo Senatla, Perry Baker and Osea Kolinisau all with 40 points or more after the first round of the 2016-17 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
England's Dan Norton narrowly scooped up the DHL Impact Player award for Dubai ahead of South Africa's Seabelo Senatla. Norton amassed a total of 45 points, made up of 14 tackles, 6 breaks, 5 offloads and 20 carries. The 28-year-old also scored nine tries – an outstanding all-round display by the fourth highest try scorer of all time on the World Series with 219.
You need to have your hands on the ball to have an impact, and that is where Norton and Senatla come to the fore. If you get them the ball, they’re going to do some damage.
Rob Vickerman, former England Rugby 7s Captain
"It went pretty well for me in Dubai. I managed to get some ball out wide which was nice!" said Norton. "We worked hard in pre-season and we're pretty happy to be where we are. It would have been nice to be in the final but it's a long season so we should have some more chances going forward."
Rob Vickerman with Dan Norton
The Blitzboks claimed the top prize in Dubai on Saturday after beating last season’s series champions and Olympic gold medalists Fiji, 26-14. The English finished a positive weekend with a 33-10 win over their Welsh neighbors for the bronze.
It went pretty well for me in Dubai. I managed to get some ball out wide which was nice.
Dan Norton, English winger and DHL Impact Player Dubai 2016
South Africa flyer Senatla finished just one point behind Norton in the DHL Performance Tracker, making less tackles (10) and offloads (1) but twice as many breaks (13) and the same amount of carries with 20.
“You need to have your hands on the ball to have an impact, and that is where Norton and Senatla come to the fore,” says Vickerman. “If you get them the ball, they’re going to do some damage.
A spectacular two days. The energy has been absolutely vibrant throughout. The stands have been packed. The memories have been made.
Rob Vickerman, former England Rugby 7s Captain
Perry Baker of the USA was on top of the tracker for most of the tournament but finished third overall with 41 points. Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau also featured in the top five, finishing on 40 points.
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Learn more about the DHL 2016-17 Impact Player Award
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