England 0

South Africa 19

An experienced Springbok side prevented England from claiming a hat trick in Dubai this evening as England were knocked out of the semi finals of the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens.  In extremely wet and slippery conditions, the South African defence proved too strong for the young England side, which included seven new caps, and South Africa won 19 0.  Earlier in the day England had beaten Australia 21 5 in the quarter finals.

England attacked well in the opening minutes but missed some valuable opportunities to convert the attack into points.  Phillip Burger was first on the score sheet for South Africa and England were behind at the break.

The second half was a lively affair with a high tackle on NEC Harlequins winger going unpunished and yet captain Simon Amor (London Wasps) was sin binned for dissent.  Despite a brave performance by the youngsters, England were just unable to close the now three try gap and were knocked out of the competition which they had dominated for the last two years.

Speaking after the match captain Simon Amor said, "South Africa were simply the better side on the night. They controlled the game much better and their defence was stronger.  They have been together for a couple of seasons and have experienced players who are used to playing on the sevens circuit.  Our youngsters did well and we have all learned alot from tonight and the whole week.  I have seen a lot of development and progress in the squad and know that it will hold us in good stead in the future."

NEC Harlequins winger Strettle added, "We desperately wanted to match England's performance of the last two years but were just not able.  The weather was terrible but it was the same for the South Africans so we can't blame that as a factor. The better team won on the day.  They are a very good side with a number of very talented and experienced players.  We have got a lot to learn and will take a lot from this first tournament."

England:

Simon Amor (London Wasps), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers), Ben Gollings, James Haskell (London Wasps), David Strettle (NEC Harlequins), Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks), Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)

Replacements: Dom Shabbo (London Irish),Michael Hills (Sale Sharks), Rob Thirlby (Gloucester)

Not used: David Doherty (London Wasps), Marcel Garvey (Worcester)

South Africa:
Benjamin, Burger, Basson, Demas, Mokuena, van der Merwe, Floors, Mdaka, Bowles, Noble, Mbiyozo, Frolick

Referee: James Jones (Wales)

England now travel to George for next week's Emirates Airline South Africa Sevens which begin on Friday.

Ends.