South Africa’s young touch rugby players are set to compete at the World Youth Cup Tournament for the first time in 13 years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The last time a South African team had the chance to participate in this tournament was in Brisbane, Australia in 2005.
Organisers expect about 50 teams to compete in both the U20 and U18 male, female and mixed team competitions. Players from Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore and the United States will be in action.
Four Tuks players will be taking to the field for South Africa. Savannah Bennett and Andreas Kokkolis will be playing for the U20 mixed team while Kristin Graaff and Tyhla Zietsman are playing for the women’s U20 team.
Touch rugby is a minimal contact sport that is derived from the Rugby League. The game emphasises running, agility and ball-handling skills.
Graaff is of the opinion that the South African women’s team can be one of the top three teams but feels their biggest challengers are going to be Australia and New Zealand.
‘It’s not going to be easy, but it would be foolish not to back ourselves when playing against them. The secret to the game is to think on your feet all the time.
‘Because the game is so fast, you can’t afford to lose focus for a moment. If you do, there’s a real chance that the opposition will capitalise on the mistake and that could be it,’ explained Graaff, who started playing scrumhalf earlier this year during the Delta Drone Tuks Womens Rugby Sevens’ tour to France and Spain.
Tuks captain Libbie Janse van Rensburg said it was as if Graaff pre-meditated what was going to happen during each game, as she always managed to set up the right attack moves.
Graaff says she prefers playing touch rugby at the moment as it requires less physical contact. ‘I’ve been playing touch rugby for the last five years, which means I’m more confident about what I’m capable of. I’m still learning what sevens is about although tackling is something I still need to get comfortable with,’ commented Graaff.
Bennett is of the opinion that the South African mixed team is also going to be a force to be reckoned with. What she likes about touch rugby is the camaraderie among the players.
‘Playing touch rugby is big fun. Don’t get me wrong. Every team that takes to the field wants to win, but it’s a case of what happens on the field stays on the field,’ she added.
Photo: SA youngsters in action, by Tilo Mittwoch