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South Africa Vipers comfortably took the International Sevens title on the final day’s play of the 2010 Mar del Plata Sevens. As expected, Paul Treu’s side, a shadow squad for the national team, met Argentina in the final and won convincingly by 29-7 at the Estadio José María Minella.

The major crowd attraction of the day was the men’s International final though with Argentina heading into the final with confidence after taking the South American title on the previous days play.

But it was the Vipers soaking up some early Argentine pressure before turning it over with Cecil Afrika putting away MJ Mnetz for the opening score.

But Francisco Cuneo’s try levelled things up for the Pumas but their joy was short-lived as two quick scores from the Vipers’ Venter and Ary gave the Africans a two try cushion at the break.

It proved one-way traffic in the second installment though with some superb handling and support from the Vipers resulting in two more scores and a cruise to the title.

In the first gold semi-final the Pumas had to withstand a late barrage from Uruguay’s Los Teros to book their place in the final. Player of the tournament Hernan Olivari opened the scoring and more scores from Salazar and Thomas proved the difference for the Pumas. The Vipers ended the hopes of Brazil in other last four clash with a 31-0 dispatching of the Cariocas.

The USA VII, who had themselves lost to Brazil yesterday, left the tournament with a morale boost, with a comfortable 24-12 win over Chile in the Bronze final. Uruguay took the plate overcoming  Brazil 24-12.

Brazil women continue dominance

In the women’s South American final, it was heavy favourites Brazil’s who defended their South American title yet again, proving too physical and clinical for Colombia in their 17-0 win in the Gold Final. It means the Brazilians incredibly are still unbeaten against regional opposition in Sevens.

Uruguay took the Plate with a converted try proving crucial in the 14-12 win over Argentina. Chile won the battle for Bronze with a hard fought win over Venezuela 10-5.

Results Thursday, 7 January:

South American Men:

Venezuela 21 | 24 Peru (7 ° and 8 °)
Paraguay 12 | 19 Colombia (Final Bronze)

South American Women:

Paraguay 15 | 5 Peru (7 ° and 8 °)
Chile 10 | 5 Venezuela (Final Bronze)
Argentina 12 | 14 Uruguay (Final Plate)
Brazil 17 | 0 Colombia (Final Gold)

Seven International:

Argentina 17 | 14 Uruguay (Semis Gold)
South Africa 34 | 0 Brazil (Semis Gold)
Mar del Plata 48 | 0 CONSUR 7 (Friendly)
Brazil 12 | 24 Uruguay (Final Plate)
Chile 12 | 24 United States
Argentina 7 | 29 South Africa