Share

Blitzboks feature in Sevens Dream Team

Cape Town - For the fourth year the Sevens Dream Team which took into consideration players' performances across the season and previous nominations in the individual tournament dream teams was named at the conclusion of the HSBC Sevens World Series. 

The South African duo of Kwagga Smith and Seabelo Senatla were both named in the all star squad for a second successive year, and were joined by two Fijians, an American, a Samoan and a Frenchman. 

In the forwards Jasa Veremalua, who was nominated in four dream teams across the season, and Samoan captain Faalemiga Selesele join Smith, while in the backs Perry Baker, Virimi Vakatawa and Osea Kolinisau joined Senatla in collecting the award.

Kwagga Smith (South Africa)
Despite his ability to dominate the contact and put his powerful leg drive to good use, the South African player is known for his clinical defence. The loose forward has made a whopping 94 tackles this season. Smith's ability to side-step and break the line allows him to put his pace to good use.

Faalemiga Selesele (Samoa)
He is known as one of the Sevens restart connoisseur's and with 143 runs, the Samoa captain has been instrumental during not only during the Paris tournament but a consistent performer all season round. Selesele was instrumental for his country when they outsmarted the 2015/16 Sevens champions, Fiji, 29-26 in the Paris Cup final that handed them their first Cup win.  

Jasa Veremalua (Fiji)
His sleek ball handling skills and powerful leg drive when the first defender tries to stop him, has allowed him to cross the whitewash 29 times this season. The 6ft 5in 27-year-old has made 59 appearances in ten tournaments for Fiji in the 2015/16 season. Veremalua contributed 116 tackles, 40 line-breaks, 69 offloads and 135 carries in the final leg of the World Sevens Series. 

Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)
The speedster is no stranger to the Dream team and with eleven tries in Paris it took his overall tally to 66 for the season. The Stormers wing made 72 clean breaks which is the most by any player on the circuit. 330 points all season in 55 matches. 

Perry Baker (USA)
The fleet footed flyer has scored a total of 48 tries this season, only Senatla has outscored him. The USA flyer has made 149 carries which includes 64 clean breaks and a total 240 points in his 55 matches this season.

Virimi Vakatawa (France)
It seems that the transitions from the fifteen-man to the shorter version of the game has been as smooth as his handling skills. The 24-year-old has been instrumental for Les Bleus by scoring 24 tries this season, which came from 131 carries and 32 line-breaks. 

Osea Kolinisau (Fiji)
The veteran Fiji captain is topping the overall points (212) scorers for this season which include 56 conversions. The 30-year-old's work-rate has been phenomenal in the 58 matches that he has appeared for his country, having made 148 carries in London he regularly brushed off defenders with ease.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2243 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE