The Springboks Sevens team have booked their spot in the semi-finals for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

On Thursday (25/7), the Blitzboks sensationally thumped Japan 49-5 to advance to the quarter-finals. Then they shocked the 2021 silver medal winners, New Zealand, 17-5 to reach the semi-finals. The most pleasing aspect of the victory against the Kiwis was their physical defence and this was arguably one of their best performances all year.

Amazingly, South Africa was placed third in their pool heading into the quarter-finals, but they are the only team remaining after eliminating New Zealand, while the two-time gold medal winners Fiji fought back to knock Ireland out.

The Blitzboks captain and former Griffons scrumhalf, Selvyn Davids. Photo: X

The Blitzboks coach and former Cheetahs winger, Philip Snyman, said his team deserves their place in the semi-finals. “Once we made it into the quarters, I told them to start believing it is possible.”

 “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.

“They deserve to be in the semi-finals, as they have executed and delivered everything I have asked from them today. We did not play poorly on day one, we just could not get our hands on the ball, but today was a different performance, an 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.”

On Saturday at 15:30, South Africa will face the hosts France in the semi-finals.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg