ZONE D Final Playoffs
Auckland Polo Club, New Zealand
Feb 26 - Mar 4, 2007
 

(Images and results courtesy of the New Zealand Polo Association)

Day 2, Feb 27, 2007

South Africa beat Pakistan 10-7 on Day 2 of the FIP 2007 World Cup Zonal playoffs in New Zealand

South Africa had a convincing win over Pakistan today, making it the second loss for the Pakistani team at the Federation of International Polo (FIP) World Cup Zone D tournament being played in Clevedon, South Auckland. The loss makes it very difficult for the Pakistani team to qualify in the top two to compete in the Wold final in Mexico later in the year – they will have to win both their next matches convincingly to be in with a chance. 

South Africa won 10 – 7 and were always in control of the match, playing a fast and long hitting game, dominated by their star player, 19 year old Nachi du Plessis, who scored half of the teams goals (5). Not to be outdone by his older brother, 16 year old David Jean Du Plessis, added another 3 goals and Captain Gareth Evans scored a further 2 points. 

Pakistan were down 3 – 6 at half time, with their scorers being Raja Samiullah, 4 goals and Hissam Ali Hyder scoring 3 goals.

Pakistan narrowly lost to Australia yesterday by missing a last minute penalty opportunity. South Africa had the advantage of fresher horses, with today being their first day of play. However, their slick team combination in today’s match sends a warning to the other competing teams including; Australia, India and New Zealand, that they are not to be underestimated.

Images:
(Above) South African Gareth Evans and Pakistani Ahmed Tiwana
(Right) South African David Jean du Plessis

South Africa 10 – Pakistan 7

Scorers:
South Africa: Nachi du Plessis – 5, David Jean du Plessis – 3, Gareth Evans – 2
Pakistan: Raja Samiullah – 4, Hissam Ali Hyder – 3