South Africa’s Sevens team celebrate their Paris Olympics quarter-final win over New Zealand. South Africa’s Sevens team celebrate their Paris Olympics quarter-final win over New Zealand. Picture: Carl de Souza / AFP
It would have been a case of “mustard after the meal” for the Blitzboks at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony had they bombed out of the Rugby Sevens event on Thursday.
Walking out with Team South Africa in front of the world while their chances of a medal had gone would have been awful for the players. Knowing you just have pride to play for while others are gunning for podium finishes would genuinely suck.
But those feelings are reserved for the fallen favourites New Zealand, Ireland and Argentina, who all said au revoir to their medal hopes in the quarter-finals, while the Blitzboks, who had to qualify for the tournament - and in indeed the quarter-finals - via the back door, have a semi-final with hosts France to look forward to on Saturday (3.30pm kickoff). Fiju and Australia will contest the other semi-final.
After losing their opening two matches against New Zealand and Ireland on Wednesday, the Blitzboks had to thump Japan on Thursday to make it into the last eight. They then produced one of the great defensive performances in Sevens history to beat the New Zealanders 14-7 to power into the semis.
What a day to be a #Blitzboks supporter. #ICYMI the last couple of minutes of a Thursday night at Stade de France.@Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/oLrLCNpkZ6
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) July 25, 2024
Captain Selvyn Davids was simply outstanding, both with and without the ball. He scored a try, assist one after brilliant footwork and then made two unbelievable try-saving tackles on his own line to help beat the All Black Sevens side.
This team deserves to enjoy that walk with their fellow athletes on Friday night with their heads held high, and Springbok Sevens interim head coach Philip Snyman couldn’t be prouder.
“They deserve to be in the semi-finals, as they have executed and delivered everything I have asked from them today,” Snyman said after the match.
“We did not play poorly on day one, we just could not get our hands on the ball, but today was a different performance, a really inspiring one.
“We needed to win big against Japan and scored seven well-worked tries, but against New Zealand, our defence was going to be crucial and I am so proud of how the guys responded.”
What a day in Paris for the #Blitzboks - two from two and they are into the medal matches of the #Olympics after knocking NZ out in the quarters - more here: https://t.co/9811hNtub1 ⚡⚡#PoweredByUnity #PARIS2024📷 pic.twitter.com/6CRZJluwiL
— Springbok Sevens (@Blitzboks) July 25, 2024
Snyman said he had a good feeling about the ability of the players selected to travel to the world showpiece.
“Once we made it into the quarters, I told them to start believing that it is possible,” said Snyman.
“I had a good feeling about the ability of the side, so once we were into the last eight, it was time to remind them of that.
“This was such a great win, built on defence and work-rate, while we struck when we needed to. In fact, we left another try or two out there. These guys deserve to contest for a medal, they showed that tonight.”
@JohnGoliath82