The Olympic Games men’s rugby sevens semi-final line-up was confirmed after a pulsating day of action on Thursday, with the Blitzboks progressing to the final four in sensational fashion.
Despite going into the quarter-final against New Zealand as underdogs, the Blitzboks ended New Zealand’s medal hopes with a defensive masterclass, while progressing to what should be a thrilling semi-final against France.
The hosts overcame Argentina 26-14 in a pulsating quarter-final of their own, with a last gasp try from Antoine Dupont sealing the victory in fine style.
The sevens action takes a day break for the Opening Ceremony on 26 July before returning with the men’s finals on 27 July.
The Blitzboks’ semi-final against France is scheduled for 15:30 on Saturday afternoon (SA and France time).
Momentum suddenly with the Blitzboks at the Olympics
The Blitzboks’ interim head coach Philip Snyman praised his team after their stunning Olympic quarter-final victory: “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, 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.”
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.”
Scorers from Thursday:
South Africa 47 (35), Japan 5 (0)
SA – Tries: Zain Davids, Impi Visser, Ryan Oosthuizen (2), Rosko Specman, Shilton van Wyk (2). Conversions: Ronald Brown (2), Tristan Leyds (5).
Japan – Try: Kazuma Ueda.
South Africa 14 (14) New Zealand 7 (7)
SA – Tries: Selvyn Davids, Tristan Leyds. Conversions: Leyds (2).
NZ – Try: Moses Leo. Conversion: Andrew Knewstubb.
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