Dubai: Former Scotland international Andy Craig scored a last-gasp winning try as Xodus Steelers retained their veterans’ international trophy title with a 17-14 win over J9 Foundation at the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens on Saturday.
Waisele Serevi converted tries by Carlos Spencer and Norman Jordaan to cancel out efforts from Thinus Delport and Keith Lowen to give J9 a 14-12, but Craig burst forward with seconds left to steal the victory.
It was an upset for J9 Foundation, who had drafted a team of stars in support of its founder, Joost van der Westhuizen, the former Springbok scrum-half who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.
Former Scotland coach Frank Hadden, who is now in honorary charge of Xodus, said after the victory in front of a huge crowd at The Sevens stadium’s pitch one: “Andy Craig was an unlikely scorer. He hasn’t got the gas of some of the other guys, but he’s wholehearted and knows how to sniff out a try.
“We are delighted to have retained the trophy. We did it in extra time last year, so at least we managed it in proper time this year, but it was pretty close.
“J9 had a fantastic team and also managed to get hold of the best players from teams that were knocked out to fill their side.
“These old guys have played in front of crowds as big as this before but this is still a big occasion and they really lapped it up.
“They might not be as quick as they used to be but this was a game between two fantastic teams with great respect for each other and thoroughly enjoying their moment in the sun. Although it wasn’t quite played at the same tempo, it was still a decent contest and I’m sure the crowd really enjoyed it.”
Xodus Steelers got to the final with group stage wins over Malta Marauders 52-0, Crusaders 26-0, Jonesy’s X-Men 57-0 and Watembezi Potbellies 66-0, followed by a 7-0 semi-final triumph against CNCF Legends.
J9 Foundation had victories against TSB Legends 28-0 and Brussels Barbarians 35-0, before a 14-7 loss to Joining Jack. They then beat the Cairo Rugby Old Crocs 49-0, before getting revenge against Joining Jack with a 17-0 win in the semi-finals.
