Rugby
Senatla bags DHL Impact Player in Wellington
South Africa's Seabelo Senatla may have played in his penultimate tournament of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2016-17 but the Blitzboks flyer looks set to leave a lasting impression after a stunning weekend of performances in Wellington.
The 23-year-old star clocked up some big stats across the two days of action, winning him the DHL Impact Player for Wellington. While not in the top running order throughout most of the weekend, it was his semi-final and final performances which to jump ahead of Japan's Pouli Teaupa and Kenya’s Billy Odhiambo.
To win in Wellington is a great honor. We worked hard as a unit and we’re really happy with the win.
Seabelo Senatla, South Africa Sevens winger
Ironically, tackling was Senatla's highest stat on 19, unusual for a player renowned for his finishing prowess. Add 11 breaks, 16 carries and 4 offloads for a total of 50 points to stay one point ahead of Teaupa and two in front of Odhiambo. Senatla is now third overall in the series tracker with 121 points. Dan Norton (127 points) and Kenya's Billy Odhiambo (134 points) are both ahead of the South African in the total standings.
Senatla was also the top try scorer with eight and broke the all-time record for a South African player, touching down for his 180th try in their final win against Fiji, eclipsing the previous total held by Fabian Juries. His stellar performance also earned him the HSBC Player of the Final.
"It was great to be able to score in the final and break the record, but none of my tries come without hard work from my team around me,” said Senatla. “I am excited for Sydney and hopefully can get a few more tries to my tally.”
Sydney is likely to be Senatla’s final tournament of the 2016-17 Series as he’ll join the Stormers for their 2017 Super Rugby campaign.
Thanks to DHL for your support.
Seabelo Senatla
Wellington winners
South Africa claimed the third round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with a 26-5 win over in Fiji in a windy Wellington on Sunday. In a replay of Saturday's Pool B encounter, the Blitzboks again beat the Fijians at the Westpac Stadium to cement their spot at the top of the series standings. South Africa hadn't won in the Westpac Stadium since 2002.
"To win in Wellington is a great honor. We worked hard as a unit and we're really happy with the win," he said.
Scotland finished in third place after beating Canada 28-22 in an epic bronze final, while Kenya won the Challenge Trophy after beating Australia 19-17 in a tense clash on a blustery evening in the New Zealand capital.
WATCH: Rob Vickerman’s wrap up of the DHL Impact Player of the 2017 HSBC Wellington Sevens
Follow the #DHLImpactPlayer here, on TV or the DHL Rugby Facebook & Twitter channels.
Learn more about the DHL 2016-17 Impact Player Award
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