Israel defeat SA to claim historic gold in Sevens Rugby Maccabiah

Prior to the opening ceremony of the 21st Maccabi Games (MG), an experienced Israeli squad beat a young SA Sevens rugby squad 12-5 in a closely contested game at the Wingate Institute in Netanya. Kian Davis scored the sole try for SA. The Israelis – who were head coached by former Maccabi SA Kevin Musikanth (who won a Sevens gold with SA in 2017), assisted by former South African Sebastiaan Jobb, and managed by former Capetonian Julian Shapiro – have an international Sevens team who compete in Rugby Europe’s competitions.

The victory was a milestone for Israeli rugby as it was their inaugural gold in the Sevens tournament since it was introduced in 2013. The bronze was won by USA over Great Britain (34-5).

Anton Chait the SA manager says, “Given we had one Sevens practice, the squad did damn well and we are proud of the boys.”

The SA silver medallists comprised Tom Walker (captain), Kian Davis, Brandon Sweet, Kiernan Rabie, Jake Rosen, Brent Shone, Judd Silverman, Aston Silver, Jayson Hirshovitz, Nicholas Zille, Joshua Pimstein, Thomas Berman, Dylan Coll and Jordan Chait. Carrying the water was captain of the 15s, Stormers flank Hacjivah Dayimani. In the playoffs, Israel convincingly beat Britain 22-0 and SA overcame America 19-12.  Davis was outstanding, scoring two tries and kicking two conversions, while Dean Gordon also got a try. This was followed by Israel beating USA 17-12 and SA thrashing GB 24-0. On the SA scoreboard were Walker, Hirshovitz, Coll, Berman and conversions by Davis and Chait. Australia withdrew from the Sevens, citing a focus on the main 15s tournament.

Opens Rugby 15s

SA got retribution on Israel, winning 40-8 in a scrappy encounter. The try scorers were flank Dayimani and centre Richie Bryant, with two tries apiece, flyhalf Chait and left-wing Dylan Colin with one try each. Chait converted five conversions out of six. In the 30th minute, loose forward Hirshovitz was red-carded.  At halftime SA were 35-3 up. In the second half, they  were reduced to 13 men after Brandon Sweet was sin binned. But Israel couldn’t capitalise, with SA conceding only a solitary try and winning two heels against the head, which epitomised the game.

Israel beat Australia 35-30, dominating the scrum and with a resilient defence. The game was refereed by international and former Saffer Jonathan Kaplan of Canada. SA went on to take Great Britain 21-19, with nine changes from the previous game. The try scorers were Bryant, Davis and prop Steph Annandale with Chait converting all three.

In the semi-finals, SA will square up to Australia, while Israel takes on Britain before the final on Sunday.